Parental Attitude Towards the Prescription of Psychotropic Medications for Mental Disorders in Children in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Oman.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate parental attitude towards psychotropic drugs' use for children's mental disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 at the Department of Behavioural Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. A questionnaire was used to determine parents' opinions and attitudes about use of psychotropic medications on their children and, in a small proportion, other caregivers if the child attended with them. Risk factors associated with parents who preferred to consult a folk healer (FH) for children with mental disorders were identified by the logistic regression model. Results: A total of 299 parents participating in the study (response rate: 95.2%). Most (n = 244, 81.6%) agreed to give their child psychotropic medications if necessary, but 25.4% (n = 76) would consult an FH before a psychiatrist. Married parents were 14.5 times (P = 0.011) more likely than separated or divorced parents to consult an FH. Caregivers with a monthly income below 500 OMR and between 500 and 1,000 OMR were 2.5 (P = 0.016) and 3.2 times (P <0.001), respectively, more likely than those with more than 1,000 OMR to consult an FH. Parents who disagreed with giving their children psychotropic medications were 3.8 times (P <0.001) more likely to consult an FH than parents who agreed to give them if necessary. Conclusion: Most parents agreed to give their children psychotropic medications if necessary. However, a proportion of parents and caregivers preferred to consult an FH before accessing mental health services.

Efectividad de la hipnosis en cantidad y calidad del sueño en pacientes con depresión post-COVID / Effectiveness of hypnotherapy on sleep quality and quantity in patients with post-COVID depression

Introducción: Se conocen diversos tratamientos para tratar y curar la depresión. Entre los más utilizados se encuentran la psicoterapia y la medicación. La hipnosis clínica utiliza un discurso basado en la sugestión y en los reflejos condicionados del sueño, para lograr la estabilidad en la desregulación del ciclo sueño / vigilia, lo cual es un factor esencial en el tratamiento de las personas deprimidas por la COVID-19. Objetivo: Comparar la evolución en la calidad y cantidad de sueño en pacientes con depresión post-COVID que fueron tratados con medicación e hipnosis. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio explicativo-comparativo, y un diseño cuasi-experimental. La muestra fue de 40 pacientes que fueron ingresados en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico «Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero», de Santa Clara, entre enero y marzo de 2021, con COVID-19. En un grupo de pacientes se empleó el inventario de depresión de Beck y un cuestionario para evaluar la cantidad y calidad del sueño antes y después de la intervención con medicación; en el otro grupo se empleó la hipnosis. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: En ambos grupos la terapia empleada fue efectiva, redujo los niveles de depresión y eliminó las alteraciones del sueño. Conclusiones: Ambas formas de tratamiento se pueden emplear para tratar la depresión y los desórdenes propios del sueño. El método sugestivo de despertar de sueño hipnótico a sueño natural fue tan efectivo como los psicofármacos empleados.

Introduction: various treatments are known to treat and cure depression. Psychotherapy and medication are among the most used. Clinical hypnosis uses a discourse based on suggestions and conditioned sleep reflexes to achieve stability in sleep-wake cycle dysregulation, which is an essential factor in the treatment of people depressed by COVID-19. Objective: to compare the evolution in sleep quality and quantity in patients with post-COVID depression who were treated with medication and hypnotherapy. Methods: an explanatory comparative study with a quasi-experimental design was carried out. The sample consisted of 40 patients who were admitted due to COVID-19 at "Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital from Santa Clara between January and March 2021. Beck Depression Inventory and a questionnaire were used in a group of patients to assess the sleep quality and quantity before and after the intervention with medication; hypnosis was used in the other group. Descriptive statistics was also used. Results: the used therapy was effective in both groups, reduced levels of depression and eliminated sleep disturbances. Conclusions: both forms of treatment can be used to treat depression and sleep disorders. The suggestive method of awakening from hypnotic sleep to natural sleep was as effective as the psychoactive drugs used.

Retrospective Examination of Service Dog Training Program Participation and Mental Healthcare Utilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between Service Dog Training Program (SDTP) participation and mental health care utilization. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic at a large military treatment facility. PARTICIPANTS: Military Health System beneficiaries who attended at least 1 SDTP session at a large military treatment facility (N=597). SDTP program enrollment records identified participants. INTERVENTION: The SDTP, a unique application of animal-assisted therapy, is intended to improve the mental and cognitive health for individuals with war-related trauma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Negative binomial regression calculated the associations between the SDTP participation rate and 2 mental health care utilization outcomes: mental health encounter days and psychotropic medication months' supply. RESULTS: Most of the 597 participants were male, enlisted service members, and aged 25-34 years. Approximately 46% had a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis, 21% had a traumatic brain injury diagnosis, 47% had an opioid prescription, and 58% had a sleep aid prescription pre-SDTP participation. Participation was categorized into low (≤1 sessions), medium (>1 and ≤2 sessions), and high (>2 sessions) monthly participation. In adjusted analysis, high monthly SDTP participation was associated with 18% fewer post-SDTP mental health encounter days (rate ratio [RR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.96) than low monthly SDTP participation. High monthly SDTP participation was also associated with a 22% fewer post-SDTP psychotropic prescription months' supply (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.95) than low monthly SDTP participation in adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that participants who attend more than 2 SDTP sessions monthly encounter mental health care differently post SDTP than participants who attended 1 or fewer monthly sessions. Adjunct therapies, such as the SDTP, may offer patients a nonstigmatizing way to engage in mental health care.

Producción científica en Scopus sobre el uso de ayahuasca en la salud humana: Estudio Bibliométrico

Introducción: La ayahuasca (también llamada huasca, oasca, caapi o yagé) es un brebaje de uso tradicional, con efectos psicoactivos de interés en la salud humana. Esta situación crea la necesidad de generar conocimiento científico para identificar vacíos en el conocimiento y prioridades en investigación. Objetivo: Describir la producción científica sobre el uso de ayahuasca en seres humanos publicada en revistas indizadas en Scopus hasta octubre del 2021. Métodos: Estudio bibliométrico de bases de datos secundarias. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de información en Scopus de publicaciones científicas sobre el uso de Ayahuasca en problemas de salud. Se recolectó información sobre el año de publicación, idioma de publicación, áreas de conocimiento estudiadas, diseños de investigación involucrados, revista de publicación, proporciones de colaboración internacional, redes de colaboración interinstitucional, redes de coautoría, citas por documento y se describieron a los autores más productivos. Resultados: La tendencia de publicaciones fue creciente desde el 2012. El 36,8% de investigaciones se basaron en diseños observacionales. El promedio de citas por artículo fue 6,1 y el promedio de citas por año fue 3,9. Todas las publicaciones de Suiza, China, Nueva Zelanda y Perú tuvieron colaboración internacional; con cuatro conglomerados de cooperación. Conclusión: La producción científica sobre el uso de ayahuasca en la salud tiene una tendencia creciente, con preferencia en diseños observacionales, con una alta presencia de colaboración internacional y redes de colaboración institucional y de autores.

Introduction: Ayahuasca (also called huasca, oasca, caapi or yagé) is a concoction of traditional use, with psychoactive effects of interest in human health. This situation creates the need to generate scientific knowledge to identify gaps in knowledge and research priorities. Objective: To describe the impact of scientific production on the use of Ayahuasca in human health published in journals indexed in Scopus until October 2021. Methods: Bibliometric study of secondary databases. A systematic search of information was carried out in Scopus, in order to identify original articles that investigated the use of Ayahuasca in health problems. Information was collected on the year of publication, language of publication, areas of knowledge studied, research designs involved, journal of publication, proportions of international collaboration, inter-institutional collaboration networks, co-authorship networks, citations per document and the authors were described. more productive. Results: The trend of publications has been increasing since 2012. 36.8% of investigations were based on observational designs; with an average number of citations per article of 6.1 and an average number of citations per year of 3.9. All publications from Switzerland, China, New Zealand and Peru had international collaboration; with four cooperation conglomerates. Conclusion: The scientific production on the use of Ayahuasca in health has a growing trend, preferably in observational designs, with high international collaboration and institutional collaboration networks and authors.

Ayahuasca blocks ethanol preference in an animal model of dependence and shows no acute toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage prepared from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, is originally used by Amazon-based indigenous and mestizo groups for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. Nowadays, ayahuasca is used in religious and shamanic contexts worldwide, and preliminary evidence from preclinical and observational studies suggests therapeutic effects of ayahuasca for the treatment of substance (including alcohol) use disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the initial pharmacological profile of ayahuasca and its effects on ethanol rewarding effect using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ayahuasca beverage was prepared using extracts of B. caapi and P. viridis, and the concentration of active compounds was assessed through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The following behavioral tests were performed after ayahuasca administration: general pharmacological screening (13, 130, or 1300 mg/kg - intraperitoneally - i.p., and 65, 130, 1300, or 2600 mg/kg - via oral - v.o.); acute toxicity test with elevated doses (2600 mg/kg - i.p., and 5000 mg/kg - v.o.); motor activity, motor coordination, and hexobarbital-induced sleeping time potentiation (250, 500, or 750 mg/kg ayahuasca or vehicle - v.o.). For the CPP test, the animals received ayahuasca (500 mg/kg - v.o.) prior to ethanol (1.8 g/kg - i.p.) or vehicle (control group - i.p.) during conditioning sessions. RESULTS: Ayahuasca treatment presented no significant effect on motor activity, motor coordination, hexobarbital-induced sleeping latency or total sleeping time, and did not evoke signs of severe acute toxicity at elevated oral doses. Ayahuasca pre-treatment successfully inhibited the ethanol-induced CPP and induced CPP when administered alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ayahuasca presents a low-risk acute toxicological profile when administered orally, and presents potential pharmacological properties that could contribute to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

Conocimientos y prácticas de indígenas universitarios sobre plantas sagradas y sustancias psicoactivas. Medellín, Colombia / Knowledge and practices of university students from indigenous communities regarding sacred plants and psychoactivesubstances. Medellín, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar los conocimientos y las prácticas de estudiantes indígenas de una universidad de Medellín sobre las plantas sagradas y sustancias psicoactivas. Métodos Se utilizó un enfoque histórico-hermenéutico y la teoría fundamentada enraizada en el interaccionismo simbólico como base teórica; la codificación y categoriza-ción fueron las técnicas de análisis. Finalmente, se realizaron seis entrevistas semiestructuradas y dos grupos focales. Resultados La población estudiantil diferencia los significados entre plantas sagradas y sustancias psicoactivas, de acuerdo con los contextos de la comunidad indígena y la occidental, respectivamente. Se identificó el papel que juegan el contexto, la interacción con pares y la identidad cultural para la construcción de tales significados y la validación de las prácticas. Conclusión La occidentalización en las tribus indígenas de Colombia por medio de militarismo, medios de comunicación e indígenas universitarios permeabilizados por la vida urbana, origina rupturas en la fortaleza de la identidad cultural. Así, se fragmentan las ideologías tradicionales de la comunidad y se deteriora el conocimiento ancestral sobre plantas sagradas comunicado de generación en generación.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the knowledge and practices of indigenous students at a university in Medellin regarding sacred plants and psychoactive substances. Methods A historical and hermeneutical approach was used in conjunction with grounded theory, which is rooted in symbolic interactionism; coding and categorization techniques were used to analyze the data. Finally, six semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted. Results Students have separate meanings for the concepts of sacred plants and psychoactive substances, which are aligned with the indigenous and western contexts, respectively. This study made it possible to identify the role played by context, interaction with peers, and cultural identity in the construction of these meanings and in practice validation. Conclusion The westernization of Colombia's indigenous tribes through military action, mass media, and indigenous university students who have been influenced by urban life weakens the cultural identity of these communities. Thus, the traditional ideologies are fractured and the ancestral knowledge on sacred plants that has been passed from generation to generation is damaged.

What works for mental health problems in youth? Survey of real-world experiences of treatments and side effects.

AIM: Despite youth being the most common age group for onset of mental disorders, there is less knowledge on the benefits and harms of treatments in young people. In addition, efficacy data from randomized controlled trials may not generalize to how treatment works outside of research settings. This study aimed to investigate young people's perceived effectiveness of different treatments for mental health problems, the professionals who delivered these, and the experience of negative effects. METHODS: We developed a consumer report website where young people who were ever diagnosed with a mental disorder provided ratings on the helpfulness or harmfulness of different types of professionals, mental health treatments (medical, psychological complementary/alternative) and self-help strategies, and whether they had experienced particular negative effects. RESULTS: Here, 557 young people aged 12-25 years, who were recruited from English-speaking, high-income countries, provided 1258 ratings of treatments. All treatments showed varied perceptions of effectiveness. Medical and psychological treatments were rated moderately helpful on average with low rates of harmfulness. Self-help strategies were rated as being as helpful as professional treatments. Side effects related to the head or mind (e.g., concentration difficulties, inability to feel emotions, depression and irritability) were the most common across all types of medicines. For psychological treatments, treatment being too expensive and feeling worse at the end of a session were the most commonly reported negative effects. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings may be a useful guide to clinicians, researchers, young people and their families about what is likely to work in real-world settings.

Increased risk of mental health problems after cancer during adolescence: A register-based cohort study.

In this nationwide, register-based study, we estimated the risk of mental health problems in 2822 individuals diagnosed with cancer in adolescence (13-19 years). Mental health problems were assessed by psychiatric diagnoses and/or prescribed psychotropic drugs. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratio (HR) for a psychiatric diagnosis and prescription of psychotropic drug compared to a matched comparison group (n = 28 220). Estimates were adjusted for calendar period and parent characteristics (eg, history of psychiatric diagnosis, education, country of birth). We found an increased risk of a psychiatric diagnosis during the first 5 years after the cancer diagnosis (females: HR 1.23, 95% CI, 1.06-1.44; males: HR 1.32, 95% CI, 1.11-1.56), and at >5 years after diagnosis (females: HR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.09-1.58, males: HR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.18-1.77). The risk of being prescribed antidepressant (females: HR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.30-1.84, males: HR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.66-2.55), antipsychotic (females: HR 2.28, 95% CI, 1.56-3.34, males: HR 3.07, 95% CI, 2.13-4.42), anxiolytic (females: HR 1.95, 95% CI, 1.64-2.31, males: HR 4.02, 95% CI, 3.34-4.84) and sedative drugs (females: HR 2.24, 95% CI, 1.84-2.72, males: HR 3.91, 95% CI, 3.23-4.73) were higher than for comparisons during the first 5 years after diagnosis. Median age at first psychiatric diagnosis and first prescribed psychotropic drug were 18 years. In conclusion, cancer during adolescence is associated with increased risk of mental health problems that may develop in close proximity to treatment. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive care during treatment and follow-up.

The adverse effects of psychotropic drugs as an endocrine disrupting chemicals on the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation in male.

Adverse effects of drugs on male reproductive system can be categorized as pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular. Pre-testicular adverse effects disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, generally by interfering with endocrine function. It is known that the HPG axis has roles in the maintenance of spermatogenesis and sexual function. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which enters the hypophyseal portal system to stimulate the anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary secretes gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which are vital for spermatogenesis, into the blood. The FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells for the production of regulatory molecules and nutrients needed for the maintenance of spermatogenesis, while the LH stimulates the Leydig cells to produce and secrete testosterone. Many neurotransmitters influence the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation, consequently the HPG axis, and can consequently affect spermatogenesis and sexual function. Psychotropic drugs including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers that all commonly modulate dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, can affect male spermatogenesis and sexual function by impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation, act like endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Otherwise, studies have shown the relationship between decreased sperm quality and psychotropic drugs treatment. Therefore, it is important to investigate the adverse reproductive effects of psychotropic drugs which are frequently used during reproductive ages in males and to determine the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation axis on possible pathologies.

Use of psychiatric drugs in Dermatology.

Patients with psychocutaneous disorders often refuse psychiatric intervention in their first consultations, leaving initial management to the dermatologist. The use of psychotropic agents in dermatological practice, represented by antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers, should be indicated so that patients receive the most suitable treatment rapidly. It is important for dermatologists to be familiar with the most commonly used drugs for the best management of psychiatric symptoms associated with dermatoses, as well as to manage dermatologic symptoms triggered by psychiatric disorders.

Use of psychiatric drugs in Dermatology

Abstract Patients with psychocutaneous disorders often refuse psychiatric intervention in their first consultations, leaving initial management to the dermatologist. The use of psychotropic agents in dermatological practice, represented by antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers, should be indicated so that patients receive the most suitable treatment rapidly. It is important for dermatologists to be familiar with the most commonly used drugs for the best management of psychiatric symptoms associated with dermatoses, as well as to manage dermatologic symptoms triggered by psychiatric disorders.

Severe hair loss associated with psychotropic drugs in psychiatric inpatients-Data from an observational pharmacovigilance program in German-speaking countries.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate severe hair loss related to psychotropic drugs (PDs) by using data from the drug safety programme Arzneimittelsicherheit in der Psychiatrie (AMSP). METHODS: Data on PD utilization and reports of severe PD-related hair loss were collected in 83 psychiatric hospitals in Austria, Germany and Switzerland during the period 1993-2013. RESULTS: Out of 432,215 patients under surveillance, 404,009 patients were treated with PDs for the main indications of depression, schizophrenic disorder, neurosis, mania, and organic psychosis. Severe hair loss related to PD treatment was reported in 43 cases (0.01%). The rates of hair loss under antipsychotic drugs were slightly lower than the mean rates of all PDs and antidepressant drugs. Valproic acid was related to the highest risk. In 6 of the 43 cases, hair loss was imputed to multiple drugs, with 4 cases imputed to double drug combinations and 2 cases to triple combinations. Rates of severe hair loss under valproic acid (VPA) and lithium salts were distinctly lower as compared with the overall rates reported in literature. Severe hair loss under PD treatment was reported significantly more often in female patients than in male patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The rate of severe PD-related hair loss was very low in the present survey. The large number of patients included in this multicentre study allows for assessment and comparison of hair loss rates related to different PDs and groups of PDs and provides new and supplementary information on PD-related hair loss.

[Homeopathy for psychiatric patients-for and against]. / Homöopathie bei psychiatrischen Patienten ­ Für und Wider.

The application of homeopathic treatment quickly becomes a matter of ideological confrontation; however, homeopathy is steadily gaining in sympathy in the population. Although the possible effectiveness and the modes of action are currently not scientifically elucidated and the study situation regarding homeopathic treatment in psychiatry is still manageable, there is a whole series of positive evidence for the effects of homeopathic remedies for mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders and addiction. The most important studies are presented and the most important arguments are weighed up with respect to the pros and cons. It is clear that homoeopathic remedies can only be used as an add-on and not alone. These remedies belong in the hands of physicians experienced in homeopathic and psychiatric psychopharmacology. It would be advisable to at least try out homeopathy for the well-being of the patient not only in the case of very mild disorders but also in severe chronic cases, since due to the generally good tolerability, no avoidable disadvantage should result.

Actitudes, conocimientos y prácticas frente a la automedicación con productos herbales y psicofármacos en estudiantes de medicina de Medellín-Colombia / Attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding self-medication with herbal products and psychotropic drugs among medical students in Medellin, Colombia / Atitudes, conhecimentos e práticas frente à automedicação com produtos ervais e psicofármacos em estudantes de medicina de Medellín-Colômbia

Objetivo: la automedicación en estudiantes de medicina es una práctica común que representa importantes riesgos personales. El objetivo de este artículo es explorar las actitudes, conocimientos y prácticas frente a la automedicación de productos herbales y psicofármacos en estudiantes de medicina. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal que incluyó 625 estudiantes matriculados en los doce semestres del pregrado de medicina en una universidad privada de Medellín-Colombia. Se diseñó un cuestionario para el estudio que incluía variables sociodemográficas, un listado de psicofármacos y productos herbales y aspectos relacionados con las actitudes, los conocimientos y las prácticas frente a la automedicación durante el último año. Resultados: edad mediana 20 años. Rango intercuartílico 2 años, edad mínima 18 y máxima 28 años. El 67% fueron mujeres, la razón mujer: hombre fue 2:1. El 39.5% de los estudiantes se automedica con productos herbales o psicofármacos. El 16.7% se automedicó para dormir mejor. El 14.5% para disminuir el estrés y la ansiedad y el 8.3% para mejorar el ánimo. El 90.1% de los estudiantes consideraron la automedicación una práctica insegura. Sin embargo el 78.6% afirmó que continuaría haciéndolo. Conclusiones: cuatro de cada diez estudiantes de medicina encuestados (39.5%) se automedica con productos herbales o psicofármacos para mejorar síntomas mentales comunes como insomnio, depresión y ansiedad. El elevado uso de medicamentos sin supervisión profesional expone a los estudiantes a efectos secundarios indeseables, dependencia y manejo subóptimo de síntomas mentales que deterioran la calidad de vida de futuros profesionales de la salud.

Objective: Self-medication is a common practice among university students worldwide. The objective of this article is to explore the attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding self-medication of herbal products and psychotropic drugs in medical students. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive study that included 625 students from all twelve semesters offered at the medicine program at a private university in Medellin, Colombia. A questionnaire was designed for the study which included sociodemographic variables, a list of psychotropic drugs and herbal products, and aspects related to attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding self-medication during the last year. Results: Median age was 20 years and interquartile range was 2 years; minimum age was 18 and maximum was 28 years. 67% were women; the female to male ratio was 2:1. 39.5% of the students self-medicated with herbal or psychoactive drugs. 16.7% self-medicated to sleep better, 14.5% to reduce stress and anxiety, and 8.3% for mood enhancement. 90.1% of the students considered self-medication an unsafe practice. However, 78.6% stated that they would continue self-medicating. Conclusion: Four out of ten (39.5%) medical students surveyed self-medicate with herbal products or psychotropic drugs to improve common mental symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. The high use of medications without professional supervision exposes students to undesirable side effects, dependence, and suboptimal management of mental symptoms that deteriorate the quality of life of future health professionals.

Objetivo: a automedicação em estudantes de medicina é uma prática comum que representa importantes riscos pessoais. O objetivo deste artigo é explorar as atitudes, conhecimentos e práticas frente à automedicação de produtos ervais e psicofármacos em estudantes de medicina. Metodologia: estudo descritivo transversal que incluiu 625 estudantes matriculados nos doze semestres da graduação de medicina numa universidade privada de Medellín-Colômbia. Se desenhou um questionário para o estudo que incluía variáveis sócio-demográficas, um listado de psicofármacos e produtos ervais e aspectos relacionados com as atitudes, os conhecimentos e as práticas frente à automedicação durante o último ano. Resultados: idade média 20 anos. Faixa interquartílico 2 anos, idade mínima 18 e máxima 28 anos. 67% foram mulheres, a razão mulher: homem foi de 2:1. 39.5% dos estudantes se automedica com produtos ervais ou psicofármacos. 16.7% se automedicou para dormir melhor. 14.5% para diminuir o estresse e a ansiedade e 8.3% para melhorar o ânimo. 90.1% dos estudantes consideraram a automedicação uma prática insegura. Embora 78.6% afirmou que continuaria fazendo. Conclusões: quatro de cada dez estudantes de medicina entrevistados (39.5%) se automedica com produtos ervais ou psicofármacos para melhorar sintomas mentais comuns como insônia, depressão e ansiedade. O elevado uso de medicamentos sem supervisão profissional expõe aos estudantes a efeitos secundários indesejáveis, dependência e manejo em deficiência de sintomas mentais que deterioram a qualidade de vida de futuros profissionais da saúde.

Does Jacobson's relaxation technique reduce consumption of psychotropic and analgesic drugs in cancer patients? A multicenter pre-post intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients often suffer from emotional distress as a result of the oncological process. The purpose of our study was to determine whether practice of Jacobson's relaxation technique reduced consumption of psychotropic and analgesic drugs in a sample of cancer patients. METHODS: This was a multicenter pre-post intervention design. Participants were 272 patients aged over 18 years attending 10 Spanish public hospitals with oncological pathologies and anxiety symptoms. The intervention consisted of a protocol of abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation training developed by Bernstein and Borkovec. This was followed up by telephone calls over a 1-month period. The intervention was performed between November 2014 and October 2015. Sociodemographic variables related to the oncological process, mental health variables, and intervention characteristics were measured. RESULTS: A reduction in the consumption of psychotropic and analgesic drugs was observed throughout the follow-up period. Improvement was observed throughout the 4-week follow-up for all the parameters assessed: anxiety, relaxation, concentration, and mastery of the relaxation technique. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of abbreviated Jacobson's relaxation technique can help to decrease the consumption of psychotropic and analgesic drugs. Patients experienced positive changes in all the evaluated parameters, at least during the 1-month follow-up. To confirm these findings, additional long-term studies are needed that include control groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 81335752 , DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN81335752 17. Date of registration: 22/11/2016 (retrospectively registered).

Cannabis for paediatric epilepsy: challenges and conundrums.

Research is expanding for the use of cannabidiol as an anticonvulsant drug. The mechanism of cannabidiol in paediatric epilepsy is unclear but is thought to play a role in modulation of synaptic transmission. Evidence for its efficacy in treating epilepsy is limited but growing, with a single pharmaceutical company-funded randomised double-blind controlled trial in children with Dravet syndrome. Progress towards the use of medicinal cannabinoids incorporates a complex interplay of social influences and political and legal reform. Access to unregistered but available cannabidiol in Australia outside of clinical trials and compassionate access schemes is state dependent and will require Therapeutic Goods Administration approval, although the cost may be prohibitive. Further clinical trials are needed to clearly define efficacy and safety, particularly long term.

[Doping for the brain]. / Doping für das Gehirn.

The enhancement of physical and cognitive abilities (i. e. concentration, vigilance, memory) has always been desirable for humans. The term pharmacological neuroenhancement refers to the use of legal or nonprescription psychoactive substances by healthy subjects with the intention of cognitive enhancement. To give the most prominent example, caffeine serves worldwide as a natural stimulant. Brain doping, however, specifies the use of illegal substances or prescription drugs beyond approval with the purpose of cognitive enhancement. Only amphetamines, methylphenidate and modafinil have significant effects on attentiveness, concentration and alertness, whereas other substances, such as anti-dementia drugs or anti-depressants failed to demonstrate cognitive enhancement in healthy subjects.

Unwanted effects of psychotropic drug interactions with medicinal products and diet supplements containing plant extracts. / Niepozadane efekty interakcji leków psychotropowych z produktami leczniczymi i suplementami diety zawierajacymi wyciagi roslinne.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of adverse drug interactions with herbal preparations (HP), i.e., plant medicines and nutritional supplements which contain plant extracts. METHODS: Analysis of 147 cases of adverse events with clinical picture indicating probability or certainty of resulting from inclusion of HP into the applied pharmacotherapy (mostly psychotropic drugs). RESULTS: The most common effect of interactions between SSRI or SNRI antidepressants and HP were hemorrhagic complications associated with Japanese ginkgo biloba (27.45% of complications in this subgroup). Another common complication was serotonin syndrome (SS) (11.8%) occurring during the use of ginseng (one case of SS after the addition of bacopa). In the group of antipsychotic drugs, the highest number of interactions was observed in the case of haloperidol, and the highest number of complications (29.8%) was associated with ginseng (including 6 cases of ventricular arrhythmias in combination with haloperidol), milk thistle (including 7 cases of pancreatitis in combination with haloperidol or risperidone, 1 case of hepatotoxicity after adding aripiprazole) and rhodiola rosea. As for hypnotics and sedatives - interactions with ginseng were most frequently reported, mainly intensified sedative effects, cognitive disorders and disturbances in consciousness. In 132 cases, withdrawal of the plant preparation resulted in a decrease in the severity of the reported adverse reactions or a complete resolution of the described symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: HP (especially ginseng, rhadiola rosea, ginkgo biloba, milk thistle) are associated with a significant risk of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with psychotropic drugs. Because of the resulting complications and side effects, any decision to include a herbal supplement should be preceded by a detailed safety analysis with benefit and risk assessment.

Auriculoterapia como cuidado de enfermería para disminuir el consumo de marihuana y cocaína* / Auriculotherapy as nursing care to decrease the consumption of marijuana and cocaine / Auriculoterapia como cuidado de enfermagem na diminuição do consumo de maconha e cocaína / xxx

OBJETIVO: comprobar la efectividad de la auriculoterapia como cuidado de enfermería en la disminución del consumo de marihuana y cocaína en el adulto joven. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio cuantitativo, correlacional y aplicado con un diseño pre-experimental, longitudinal y prolectivo. n=10 individuos. Se utilizó el SPSS v.17., aplicándose prueba Z para dos proporciones relacionadas y Wilcoxon (p<0.05; IC 95%). RESULTADOS: el consumo de cocaína mostró una p=<0.05 con un IC del 95%, concluyendo que la auriculoterapia es efectiva en la disminución del consumo de cocaína en el adulto joven. CONCLUSIONES: el consumo de drogas psicoactivas tiene la necesidades de ser abordado desde diferentes enfoque del cuidado.

OBJETIVO:comprovar a efetividade da auriculoterapia como cuidado de enfermagem na diminuição do consumo de maconha e cocaína em adultos jovens. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: estudo quantitativo, correlacional e aplicado com desenho pré-experimental, longitudinal e proletivo. n=10 indivíduos. Fue utilizado o SPSS v.1, aplicando-se a prova Z para duas proporções relacionadas e Wilcoxon (p<0.05; IC 95%). RESULTADOS: o consumo de cocaína resultou em p=<0.05 com IC de 95%, concluindo-se que a auriculoterapia é efetiva na diminuição do consumo de cocaína em adultos jovens. CONCLUSÕES: o consumo de drogas psicoativas deve ser abordado a partir de diferentes enfoques do cuidado.

OBJECTIVE: to check the effectiveness of auriculotherapy as nursing care in decreasing consumption of marijuana and cocaine in young adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: quantitative, correlational and applied studio with a pre-experimental, longitudinal and prolective design. n=10 individuals. Was used the SPSS v.17, applying Z test for two related proportions and Wilcoxon. (p<0.05, IC 95%). RESULTS: the cocaine use showed a p=<0.05 with a IC of 95%, concluding that ear acupuncture is effective in the reducing cocaine use in young adults. CONCLUSIONS: the use of psychoactive drugs has the needs to be addressed from different care approach.

Inequalities in receipt of mental and physical healthcare in people with dementia in the UK.

Background: UK Dementia Strategies prioritise fair access to mental and physical healthcare. We investigated whether there are inequalities by deprivation or gender in healthcare received by people with dementia, and compared healthcare received by people with and without dementia. Methods: we investigated primary care records of 68,061 community dwelling dementia patients and 259,337 people without dementia (2002-13). We tested hypotheses that people with dementia from more deprived areas, and who are women receive more psychotropic medication, fewer surgery consultations, are less likely to receive annual blood pressure, weight monitoring and an annual review, compared with those from less deprived areas and men. Results: only half of people with dementia received a documented annual review. Deprivation was not associated with healthcare received. Compared to men with dementia, women with dementia had lower rates of surgery consultations (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.90, 95% CI 0.90-0.91), of annual blood pressure monitoring (adjusted IRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97) and of annual weight monitoring (adjusted IRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90-0.93). Men with dementia were less likely to be taking psychotropic medication than women with dementia. People with dementia had fewer surgery consultations and were less likely to have their weight and blood pressure monitored at least annually, compared to the non-dementia group. Conclusions: people with dementia, in particular women, appear to receive less primary healthcare, but take more psychotropic medication that may negatively impact their physical health. Reducing these inequalities and improving access of people with dementia to preventative healthcare could improve the health of people with dementia.