Prevalence of alcohol and other psychoactive substance abuse and association with depression among medical students in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State.

Introduction: alcohol and other psychoactive substances have adverse health effects, particularly on young people. This study determined the prevalence of alcohol and other psychoactive substance abuse and its association with depression among Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, medical students. Methods: a cross-sectional study involving 243 medical students who completed a patient-rated version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PR). For analyzing the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. Results: most respondents were 18 to 24 years old (67.1%), and 52.7% were male; the prevalence of major depressive episodes (current) and lifetime alcohol and other psychoactive use was 30.5%, 25.5%, and 21%, respectively. Also, the prevalence of current alcohol abuse and dependence was 5.8% and 4.9%, respectively. Alcohol use (χ2: 12.57, p = 0.001) and abuse (χ2: 22.33, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with depression. Psychoactive substance use was significantly associated with depression (χ2: 12.91, p = 0.001). The odds of having depression increased with the use of alcohol (OR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.71-7.33) and psychoactive substances (OR: 4.52; 95% CI: 1.88-10.88). Conclusion: alcohol and psychoactive substance use were significantly associated with depression. Organizing interventions to reduce such unhealthy social practices among medical students is necessary.

Relationship between psychoactive substance, alcohol and cigarette use in nursing students. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the use of psychoactive substances, alcohol and cigarettes in young people has become a public health problem. The identification of factors that increase or reduce the risk of exposure to these substances and the possible relationship between them is essential for planning strategies with a risk approach; hence the reason for this study. The objective was to establish the profile of use of psychoactive substances, alcohol and cigarettes and the factors associated with such use in nursing students of a higher education institution. METHODS: Quantitative, observational, analytical cross-sectional study. RESULTS: We included 310 students from 1 st to 9th semester of a Nursing programme from a private higher education institution in Bogotá. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the last year was 2.96% (95%CI, 1.36-5.54), with marijuana being the substance most used (55.55%). The prevalence of alcohol and cigarette use during the last 12 months was estimated at 86.64% (95%CI, 83.24-91.0) and 12.16% (95%CI, 8.43-15.88) respectively. A statistically significant association was found between the use of these substances: alcohol use was associated with cigarette use (OR = 3.22; P = 0.006) and smoking was associated with psychoactive substance use (OR = 15.4; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol use increases the likelihood of smoking cigarettes, and this in turn increases the likelihood of psychoactive substance use, in this university population.

Probable effects of polypharmacy and equivalent doses of psychotropic drugs on prevalence of adverse drug events among psychiatric inpatients in a general hospital in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: In psychiatry, polypharmacy or high psychotropic drug doses increase adverse drug event (ADE) prevalence. However, the full relationship between polypharmacy and ADEs is unclear, and few studies have evaluated dose equivalents for psychotropic drugs for ADEs. Thus, we conducted a retrospective analysis to clarify the effects of polypharmacy and chlorpromazine (CP)-, diazepam (DAP)-, and imipramine- equivalent doses on all ADEs in inpatients. METHODS: Psychiatric inpatients in a Japanese hospital from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018, were enrolled. ADE severity and causality were assessed. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate ADE risk factors. RESULTS: Among 462 patients analyzed, out of 471 patients enrolled, 145 (31.4%) experienced ADEs. The causality assessment determined that "possible" was 96.5%. The most common ADEs were nervous system disorders (35%). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated an increase in ADE prevalence with the number of drugs used (≥5; p = 0.026); CP-equivalent dose (p = 0.048); and endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disorders (p = 0.045). DAP-equivalent dose; infectious and parasitic diseases; and injury, poisoning, and consequences of other external causes decreased ADE prevalence (p = 0.047, 0.022, and 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Avoiding polypharmacy in psychiatric inpatients and adjusting drug regimens to safe equivalent doses could reduce ADEs during hospitalization.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo del uso problemático de psicofármacos de prescripción en población con trastorno mental grave: Una revisión sistemática / Prevalence and risk factors for misuse of prescription psychotropic drug in patients with severe mental illness: a systematic review

Objetivo. El uso problemático de psicofármacos de prescripción es un creciente problema de salud. Uno de los grupos más expuestos al consumo de estas sustancias son las personas con un trastorno mental grave. El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar cuál es la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo, del uso problemático de fármacos psicoactivos, con prescripción médica, en pacientes con trastorno mental grave. Método. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática siguiendo el protocolo PRISMA consultando las bases de datos científicas Medline, Web Of Science, SCOPUS, Proquest y PsycINFO. La revisión se realizó desde enero de 2011 hasta diciembre de 2021. De cada documento se extrajo la información relativa al uso problemático de los psicofármacos prescritos y sus niveles de gravedad. Resultados. De un total de 477 trabajos, 5 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Entre un 26% y un 48,7% de pacientes con trastorno mental grave hace un uso problemático de los psicofármacos prescritos y desarrollan dependencia. Los problemas de consumo de otras drogas, tener una historia de prescripción de benzodiacepinas, considerar esencial el uso del fármaco, un uso prolongado, la impulsividad y los comportamientos autolesivos se mostraron como factores de riesgo a la hora de desarrollar un uso problemático de los psicofármacos recetados. Conclusiones. La población con trastorno mental grave convive con factores que la hacen vulnerable al riesgo de desarrollar un uso problemático de las sustancias psicoactivas prescritas. Son necesarios futuros estudios, que profundicen en los efectos y el tratamiento del uso problemático, de los psicofármacos prescritos, en estos pacientes. (AU)

Objective. The misuse of prescription psychotropic drugs is a major health problem. One of the most exposed groups to the use of these substances is people with a severe mental illness. The aim of this review is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of problematic use of psychoactive prescription drugs in patients with SMI. Method. A systematic review was conducted following a PRISMA protocol through the scientific databases PubMed, Web Of Science, SCOPUS, ProquestPsycho and PsycInfo. The review was conducted from January 2011 to December 2021. Information on the misuse of prescribed psychotropic drugs and the levels of dependence generated in the severe mental illness population was examined. Results. A total of 477 studies were identified, and 5 were selected according to the established criteria. Between 26% and 48.7% of patients with severe mental illness misuse prescribed psychotropic drugs and develop dependence. Other drug use problems, having a history of benzodiazepine prescription, perceive drug use as essential, prolonged use, impulsivity and self-harm behaviors were shown as risk factors for developing misuse of prescribed psychotropic drugs. Conclusions. The severe mental illness population lives with several factors that make them vulnerable to the risk of developing misuse of prescribed psychoactive substances. Future studies are needed, since the current evidence is limited, and does not delve into the effects and treatment of misuse of prescribed psychotropic drugs in these patients. (AU)

Smoke Alarm.

As states relax their laws on cannabis, neuroscientist Yasmin Hurd is warning about the drug's dangers for the developing brain.

Seguridad del paciente: análisis de la prescripción en adultos mayores de una policlínica de salud mental del Hospital Vilardebó, Uruguay / Patient safety: analysis of prescriptions in older adults in a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at Vilardebó Hospital, Uruguay / Segurança do paciente: análise da prescrição em idosos de uma Policlínica de Saúde Mental do Hospital Vilardebó, Uruguai

Introducción: los pacientes con 65 años o más, por su condición fisiológica, tienen mayor probabilidad de estar expuestos a reacciones adversas a medicamentos. Algunos riesgos están asociados a la carga anticolinérgica de la medicación, y otros al perfil de seguridad de cada uno de los fármacos. Objetivo: realizar un análisis de los tratamientos farmacológicos para los pacientes ≥65 años y su posible implicancia en la clínica, por los riesgos potenciales debido a reacciones adversas. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, observacional, naturalístico, del tratamiento farmacológico de los pacientes ≥65 años de la policlínica del Hospital Vilardebó, entre mayo y agosto de 2021. Se calculó la carga anticolinérgica de los tratamientos y se efectuó una comparación de dicha carga con la de una muestra de pacientes menores de 65 años. Resultados: 356 pacientes (83,0%) ≥65 años tenían un riesgo alto de tener algún efecto por su carga anticolinérgica y este riesgo fue similar a los pacientes menores de 65 años. Un total de 344 pacientes estaban en tratamiento con alguna benzodiazepina, destacándose el uso de flunitrazepam (47,6%) y clonazepam (32,6%). A 289 pacientes (67,4%) se le prescribió algún antipsicótico y nueve pacientes estaban con más de dos antipsicóticos. Dos pacientes estaban en tratamiento con imipramina y 49 pacientes recibían algún antiparkisoniano. Conclusiones: los pacientes mayores de 65 años están expuestos a riesgos altos de padecer reacciones adversas a medicamentos como consecuencia de una alta carga anticolinérgica (similar a la de la población más joven estudiada) y de una acentuada polifarmacia. Además, se deberían evitar algunas prácticas, como la prescripción de ciertos tipos de benzodiacepinas, así como minimizar el uso de imipramina y antiparkisonianos. Es necesario buscar estrategias de formación que disminuyan o minimicen este potencial riesgo que repercute adversamente en la salud de los pacientes.

Summary: Introduction: patients aged 65 years or older are at increased risk for exposure to adverse drug reactions because of their physiological status. Some risks are associated with the anticholinergic burden of medication, and others with the safety profile of each drug. Objective: to perform an analysis of pharmacological treatments for patients aged 65 years old or older and their possible clinical implications, given the potential risks of adverse drug reactions. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, naturalistic, observational study of the pharmacological treatment of users aged 65 years old or older of the outpatient service at Vilardebó Hospital, between May and August 2021, was performed. A calculation was made of the anticholinergic burden of treatments and a comparison of this burden was made with a sample of patients under 65 years of age. Results: 356 patients (83.0%) ≥ 65 years old were at high risk of having some kind of effect from their anticholinergic burden and this risk was similar to patients younger than 65 years. A total of 344 patients were in treatment with a benzodiazepine. The prescription of flunitrazepam (47.6%) and clonazepam (32.6%) stood out. While 289 patients (67.4%) were in treatment with an antipsychotic, 9 patients were on more than 2 antipsychotics. Two patients were on imipramine and 49 patients were in treatment with some antiparkinsonian drugs. Conclusions: patients older than 65 years old are exposed to a high risk of suffering adverse drug reactions as a consequence of a high anticholinergic load (similar to that of the younger population studied) and a marked polypharmacy. In addition, some practices should be avoided, such as the prescription of certain types of benzodiazepines used in this population, as well as minimizing the use of imipramine and antiparkinsonian drugs. It is necessary to look for training strategies to minimize this potential risk that adversely affects the health of patients.

Introdução: pacientes com 65 anos ou mais, devido à sua condição fisiológica, estão mais propensos a serem expostos a reações adversas a medicamentos. Alguns riscos estão associados à carga anticolinérgica do fármaco e outros ao perfil de segurança de cada um dos medicamentos. Objetivo: realizar uma análise dos tratamentos farmacológicos para pacientes ≥ 65 anos de idade e sua possível implicação clínica, devido aos riscos potenciais decorrentes de reações adversas. Método: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal, observacional, naturalístico do tratamento farmacológico de pacientes ≥ 65 anos da Policlínica Hospitalar de Vilardebó, entre maio e agosto de 2021. A carga anticolinérgica dos tratamentos foi calculada e foi feita uma comparação com a de uma amostra de pacientes com menos de 65 anos. Resultados: 356 pacientes (83,0%) ≥ 65 anos apresentaram alto risco de ter algum efeito devido à sua carga anticolinérgica e esse risco foi semelhante aos pacientes com menos de 65 anos. Um total de 344 pacientes estava em tratamento com algum benzodiazepínico, com destaque para o uso de flunitrazepam (47,6%) e clonazepam (32,6%). 289 pacientes (67,4%) receberam algum antipsicótico e 9 pacientes estavam tomando mais de 2 antipsicóticos. Dois pacientes estavam sendo tratados com imipramina e 49 estavam recebendo um antiparkisoniano. Conclusões: pacientes com mais de 65 anos estão expostos a um alto risco de sofrer reações adversas a medicamentos em decorrência de uma carga anticolinérgica elevada (semelhante à da população mais jovem estudada) e de uma polifarmácia acentuada. Além disso, algumas práticas devem ser evitadas, como a prescrição de determinados tipos de benzodiazepínicos que são utilizados nessa população, além de minimizar o uso de imipramina e antiparkinsonianos. É necessário buscar estratégias de formação que reduzam ou minimizem esse risco potencial que afeta negativamente a saúde dos pacientes.

Functional brain connectomes reflect acute and chronic cannabis use.

Resting state fMRI has been employed to identify alterations in functional connectivity within or between brain regions following acute and chronic exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis. Most studies focused a priori on a limited number of local brain areas or circuits, without considering the impact of cannabis on whole-brain network organization. The present study attempted to identify changes in the whole-brain human functional connectome as assessed with ultra-high field (7T) resting state scans of cannabis users (N = 26) during placebo and following vaporization of cannabis. Two distinct data-driven methodologies, i.e. network-based statistics (NBS) and connICA, were used to identify changes in functional connectomes associated with acute cannabis intoxication and history of cannabis use. Both methodologies revealed a broad state of hyperconnectivity within the entire range of major brain networks in chronic cannabis users compared to occasional cannabis users, which might be reflective of an adaptive network reorganization following prolonged cannabis exposure. The connICA methodology also extracted a distinct spatial connectivity pattern of hypoconnectivity involving the dorsal attention, limbic, subcortical and cerebellum networks and of hyperconnectivity between the default mode and ventral attention network, that was associated with the feeling of subjective high during THC intoxication. Whole-brain network approaches identified spatial patterns in functional brain connectomes that distinguished acute from chronic cannabis use, and offer an important utility for probing the interplay between short and long-term alterations in functional brain dynamics when progressing from occasional to chronic use of cannabis.

Psychotropic drug use among older people with major neurocognitive disorder: a cross-sectional study based on Swedish national registries.

AIM: Psychotropic medications include many drugs that may be inappropriate for older individuals with cognitive impairment. In Sweden, many people become registered in the Swedish Dementia Registry when they are diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder (NCD). In this study, we aim to describe psychotropic drug use and associated factors among older Swedish people with major NCD. METHODS: This study included 38,251 people ≥ 65 years from the Swedish registry for cognitive/dementia disorders diagnosed during 2007-2017. Drug use was defined as one or more filled prescription(s) recorded in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register during 1 July to 31 December 2017. Associations between psychotropics and age, sex, diagnosis date, Mini-Mental State Examination score and major NCD subtype were analysed through multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: We found that 12.0% of the individuals filled at least one prescription for antipsychotics, 22.0% for anxiolytics, 23.0% for sedatives or hypnotics, 43.2% for antidepressants and 56.7% for antidementia drugs. In brief, psychotropic use was associated with female sex, higher age, longer time since diagnosis and specific subtypes of major NCD; the strongest association was found between antipsychotics and Lewy body dementia (odds ratio 2.40, 95% confidence interval 2.04-2.82). CONCLUSION: Psychotropic drugs were frequently dispensed among older Swedish people with major NCD. The use of antipsychotics and medications with sedative properties warrants concern, especially among those with Lewy body dementia who are severely sensitive to antipsychotics. A more restrictive prescribing pattern regarding these medications might reduce the risk of drug-related problems in this vulnerable group of people.

60 Years of Combining Tranylcypromine: A Systematic Review of Available Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Tranylcypromine is the only irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor that is approved in the United States and in Europe for the management of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Comprehensive data in the literature regarding the efficacy and tolerability of tranylcypromine (TCP) combination strategies have not been systematically investigated yet. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of available literature based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Study types considered eligible for inclusion were studies that reported information on efficacy and/or tolerability/adverse effects of pharmacological TCP add-on or coadministration strategies among people with psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: Ninety-six articles were included in qualitative analyses. A relevant body of evidence shows that TCP combined with first- and second-generation antipsychotics seems relatively safe and might have beneficial effects in some patients with depressive disorders, although caution is needed with some second-generation antipsychotics that have proserotonergic activity. Although evidence is not entirely consistent, amitriptyline as add-on agent might be efficacious and associated with a low rate of severe adverse events. Although available data from case reports are scarce, certain other agents, such as trazodone, but also lithium, seem to have a good risk-benefit profile with regard to TCP that should be further investigated in the context of high-quality studies. CONCLUSIONS: Any combination of a psychotropic with TCP should be preceded by an evaluation of drug-to-drug interaction and an informed consent process and followed by close monitoring. Before any combination strategy, doctors should reevaluate factors of pseudo-treatment resistance, such as rapid-metabolizing status, noncompliance, trauma, alternative diagnosis, or drug abuse.

Teacher plants - Indigenous Peruvian-Amazonian dietary practices as a method for using psychoactives.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Indigenous groups of the Amazon have developed intricate methods for the application of psychoactives, among which particularly the dieta or diet method of Peruvian-Amazonian traditional medicine stands out. It is a retreat-like intervention involving lengthy periods of social, behavioural, and alimentary restrictions, while ingesting specially prepared plant substances. The interplay of the dietary conditions and plants ingested sensitizes the dieter to receive healing, strength, guidance, and knowledge. From a clinical scientific point of view, the method has remained largely underexplored, but seems more pertinent than ever given the increasing interest in Amazonian psychoactive preparations including ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapies in general. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study offers a descriptive account and emic interpretation of the Peruvian-Amazonian dieta. More specifically we document in detail the procedure, its context and purpose of application, effects, modes of action, adverse effects, and risks, from the perspectives of a sample of Peruvian traditional healers. The Peruvian-Amazonian dieta is a multi-purpose method for making use of medicinal plants, many of which (but not all), are psychoactive; the current work especially focuses on its therapeutic applications in conjunction with psychoactives. METHODS: We interviewed 16 healers working in the Ucayali, San Martín, and Loreto provinces of Peru using a semi-structured interview approach. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The extensive data derived from these interviews were analysed by means of computer-assisted manifest qualitative content analysis using a theory-advancing approach. Over 500 coded text segments were categorized, resulting in 7 main theme clusters and corresponding sub-themes. RESULTS: The interviewed healers described a complex intervention with multifaceted applications (treatment, prevention, training) and effects in various domains (body, mind, spirit, energy). The process was portrayed as transformative, with benefits attributed to the effects of the so-called teacher plants in conjunction with the diet's conditions, along with the skill of the healer guiding the intervention. Further, a detailed risk assessment revealed sophisticated safety measures and tools designed to address adverse responses. The importance of adequate training of the healer that administers the diet was particularly highlighted in this context. CONCLUSIONS: The dieta is a central therapeutic concept and tool in Peruvian-Amazonian traditional medicine and a unique method for using psychoactive plants. Multidisciplinary health research that includes traditional treatment methods from Indigenous cultures, Amazonian and other, should not be neglected in the current global interest in psychedelic therapies; such research may in the long-term contribute to a more inclusive psychedelic research paradigm as well as healthcare practice in countries where rich traditional healing systems exist, and perhaps beyond. It may also contribute to the recognition of the Indigenous healers as not only historical forerunners, but also current leading experts in psychedelic medicine.

El modelo GAM (Gestión Autónoma de la Medicación) como generador de autonomía en salud mental / O modelo GAM (Gestão Autônoma da Medicação) como gerador de autonomia em saúde mental / The autonomous medication management (AMM) model as a generator of autonomy in mental health care

En este texto presentamos una aproximación al concepto de autonomía aplicado al campo de la salud mental tomando como marco la "Guía para la gestión autónoma de la medicación" (GAM) y su despliegue en Brasil y España. La estrategia GAM plantea una comprensión de la autonomía alejada de una visión individualista para aproximarse a una perspectiva social y colectiva. En este artículo vamos a evidenciar los posibles desplazamientos y las tensiones generadas, así como los efectos de autonomización que conlleva su implementación en salud mental. En la experiencia brasileña, se observa ese desplazamiento desde el lugar del saber-poder, propio de los profesionales, mientras la experiencia española muestra cómo la adaptación de la herramienta parte de la necesaria implicación de los profesionales, de los usuarios/as, sus familias y su red social en un proceso conjunto de trabajo y cuidado colectivo. (AU)

Neste texto apresentamos o conceito de autonomia aplicado ao campo da saúde mental. Para isso tomaremos como referencial uma experiência denominada "Guia para a gestão autônoma de medicamentos" (GAM) e sua implantação em dois contextos geográficos: Brasil e Espanha. A estratégia GAM propõe uma compreensão da autonomia afastando-se de uma visão individualista para se aproximar de uma perspectiva social e coletiva. Neste artigo iremos evidenciar os possíveis deslocamentos e tensões presentes, bem como os possíveis efeitos da autonomização que sua implementação produziu no contexto do cuidado em saúde mental. Assim, na experiência brasileira, observamos como esse deslocamento se produz a partir desse lugar do poder-saber, típico da experiência do profissional, enquanto a experiência espanhola mostra como a adaptação da ferramenta decorre da implicação necessária dos profissionais, usuários, familiares e rede social em um processo conjunto de trabalho e cuidado coletivo. (AU)

In this article we present the concept of autonomy applied to the field of mental health drawing on experiences of the implementation of the "Autonomous Medication Management Guide" in two different contexts: Brazil and Spain. Autonomous medication management proposes an understanding of autonomy that moves away from an individualistic view towards a social and collective perspective. This article highlights potential shifts and tensions and the possible effects of "autonomization" in the context of mental health care. In the Brazilian experience, we observed how this shift is produced from the place of power-knowledge typical of professional practice, while the Spanish experience shows how the adaptation of the tool derives from the necessary involvement of professionals, service users, families and social networks through a joint process of collective working and care. (AU)

Medication Use and Physical Assaults in the Psychiatric Emergency Department.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between medications used to treat acute agitation (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines) and subsequent assault incidence in the psychiatric emergency department.Methods: Medication orders and assault incident reports were obtained from electronic health records for 17,056 visits to an urban psychiatric emergency department from 2014 to 2019. Assault risk was modeled longitudinally using Poisson mixed-effects regression.Results: Assaults were reported during 0.5% of visits. Intramuscular (IM) medications were ordered in 23.3% of visits overall and predominantly were ordered within the first 4 hours of a visit. IM medication orders were correlated with assault (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 24.2; 95% CI, 5.33-110.0), often because IM medications were ordered immediately subsequent to reported assaults. Interacted with time, IM medications were not significantly associated with reduction in subsequent assaults (IRR = 0.700; 95% CI, 0.467-1.04). Neither benzodiazepines nor mood stabilizers were associated with subsequent changes to the risk of reported assault. By contrast, antipsychotic medications were associated with decreased assault risk across time (IRR = 0.583; 95% CI, 0.360-0.942).Conclusions: Although assault prevention is not the sole reason for ordering IM medications, IM medication order rates are high relative to overall assault incident risk. Of the 3 major categories of medications ordered commonly in the psychiatric emergency setting, only antipsychotic medications were associated with measurable decreases in subsequent assault risk. As antipsychotic medication can have a significant side effect burden, careful weighing of the risks and benefits of medications is encouraged.

Exploring unsafe sexual practices among truck drivers at Meerut District, India: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite implementation of HIV prevention programmes for truck drivers in India, unsafe sex behavior among truck drivers has been documented. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge about HIV Transmission and modes of prevention, pattern of condom use with high risk partners and explore the practice of unsafe sex and its risk factors among truck drivers. METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study design was conducted on a recruited convenient sample of 100 truck drivers above 18 years from March to May 2015. Binary logistic regression was used to compute unadjusted odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] for establishing association of risk factors with unsafe sex. RESULTS: Overall, only 7% had complete knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. 54% of truck drivers have sex with a high risk partner (commercial sexual worker or men having sex with men) and thirty-eight percent reported unsafe sexual practices due to inconsistent condom use with them. The various risk factors found significantly associated with unsafe sex were mean age of first intercourse (OR= 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75 - 0.97), access to pornography (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8 - 10.7) and conuming psychoactive substance before sex (OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 1.09 - 15.02). CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic, occupational factors, pornography access and consuming psychoactive substances seems to influence the sexual behaviour of truckers.

Prevalence and correlates of substance use among undergraduates in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive substance use is a major global public health issue. Use of psychoactive substances has been associated with negative consequences among students. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students in a Nigerian university. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 763 undergraduate students of Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, recruited using multi-stage sampling technique. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics and pattern of psychoactive substance use were collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The lifetime rate of psychoactive substance use was 84.5%. Alcohol had the highest rate of lifetime (82.5%) and 12-month (61.1%) use. There was a similar rate of lifetime use of psychoactive substances among males (86.1%) and females (83.4%). Age (p<0.05) and place of residence (p<0.05) were significantly associated with lifetime psychoactive substance use. Catholics (OR:1.43; 1.03 - 1.99), whose friend (OR:1.94; 1.39 - 2.71), roommate (OR:3.06; (1.62 - 5.78) or brother (OR:1.22; 0.77 - 1.93) uses psychoactive substances were significantly more likely to have used substances in the past 12-months. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of psychoactive substance use among the students. Age, religion, place of residence, family and peer use of substances are important determinants of psychoactive substance use.

Pharmacists’ roles in mental healthcare: Past, present and future

Mental illnesses cause significant disease burden globally, with medicines being a major modality of treatment for most mental illnesses. Pharmacists are accessible and trusted healthcare professionals who have an important role in supporting people living with mental illness. This commentary discusses the role of pharmacists in mental healthcare, as part of multidisciplinary teams, the current evidence to support these roles, and the training, remuneration and policy changes needed to recognize these roles and embed pharmacists as core members of the mental healthcare team (AU)

Metabolomic alteration induced by psychotropic drugs: Short-term metabolite profile as a predictor of weight gain evolution.

Psychotropic drugs can induce strong metabolic adverse effects, potentially increasing morbidity and/or mortality of patients. Metabolomic profiling, by studying the levels of numerous metabolic intermediates and products in the blood, allows a more detailed examination of metabolism dysfunctions. We aimed to identify blood metabolomic markers associated with weight gain in psychiatric patients. Sixty-two patients starting a treatment known to induce weight gain were recruited. Two hundred and six selected metabolites implicated in various pathways were analyzed in plasma, at baseline and after 1 month of treatment. Additionally, 15 metabolites of the kynurenine pathway were quantified. This latter analysis was repeated in a confirmatory cohort of 24 patients. Among the 206 metabolites, a plasma metabolomic fingerprint after 1 month of treatment embedded 19 compounds from different chemical classes (amino acids, acylcarnitines, carboxylic acids, catecholamines, nucleosides, pyridine, and tetrapyrrole) potentially involved in metabolic disruption and inflammation processes. The predictive potential of such early metabolite changes on 3 months of weight evolution was then explored using a linear mixed-effects model. Of these 19 metabolites, short-term modifications of kynurenine, hexanoylcarnitine, and biliverdin, as well as kynurenine/tryptophan ratio at 1 month, were associated with 3 months weight evolution. Alterations of the kynurenine pathway were confirmed by quantification, in both exploratory and confirmatory cohorts. Our metabolomic study suggests a specific metabolic dysregulation after 1 month of treatment with psychotropic drugs known to induce weight gain. The identified metabolomic signature could contribute in the future to the prediction of weight gain in patients treated with psychotropic drugs.

Association between opioid-related deaths and prescribed opioid dose and psychotropic medicines in England: a case-crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Opioid-overdose deaths are associated with poisoning with prescription and illicit opioids in the USA. In contrast, opioid-related deaths (ORDs) in the UK often involve drugs and substances of misuse, and may not be associated with a high dose of prescribed opioids. This study aimed to investigate the association between prescribed opioid dose and ORDs in UK primary care. METHODS: This case-crossover study used the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and death registration between 2000 and 2015 to identify ORDs. Daily oral morphine equivalent (OMEQ) dose was measured within a 90 day focal window before ORD and three earlier reference windows. Conditional logistic regression models assessed the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) comparing daily OMEQ dose greater than 120 mg in the focal window against the reference windows. RESULTS: Of the 232 ORDs, 62 (26.7%) were not prescribed opioids in the year before death. Of the remaining 170 cases, 50 (29.4%) were never prescribed a daily OMEQ dose greater than 50 mg. Daily OMEQ doses over 120 mg (aOR 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06-4.56), co-prescribing gabapentinoids (aOR 2.32; 95% CI: 1.01-5.33), or some antidepressants (aOR 3.03; 95% CI: 1.02-9.04) significantly increased the risk of ORD. CONCLUSIONS: Daily OMEQ dose greater than 120 mg and the concomitant use of psychotropic medicines were related to ORDs in the UK. Prescribers should cautiously avoid prescribing opioids with a daily OMEQ dose greater than 120 mg day-1 and the combination of opioids and gabapentinoids, even with low opioid doses.

Psychotropic Medication Adherence in Children and Adolescents.

Researchers believe that almost 20% of children and adolescents struggle with chronic and persistent mental health concerns. Mental health is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Youth can struggle with several impairing mental health disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Inadequately treated chronic mental illnesses can adversely affect the growing brain profoundly, including academic decline, early school dropout, cognitive deficits, interpersonal relationship concerns, aggression, suicide attempts or completion, substance use disorders, frequent hospital admissions, and inability to maintain employment. Even if diagnosed early in their course of illness, many of these individuals struggle to continue medications as prescribed. The factors predicting adherence to medications are underresearched in children and adolescents. Psychotropic medication compliance is a complicated issue that is tied to various aspects of caring for a minor individual. Hence, it is relevant to discuss factors that are predicted to contribute to noncompliance in this age group. The purpose of this review is to carefully consider the gaps in knowledge, suggesting interventions by using established instruments and clinical strategies to resolve the identified barriers for improving medication adherence. Compliance should be targeted at various levels, including the entire family tree and the treatment team.

Effects of sedative psychotropic drugs combined with oxycodone on respiratory depression in the rat.

Following a decision to require label warnings for concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines and increased risk of respiratory depression and death, the US Food and Drug Administratioin (FDA) recognized that other sedative psychotropic drugs may be substituted for benzodiazepines and be used concurrently with opioids. In some cases, data on the ability of these alternatives to depress respiration alone or in conjunction with an opioid are lacking. A nonclinical in vivo model was developed that could detect worsening respiratory depression when a benzodiazepine (diazepam) was used in combination with an opioid (oxycodone) compared to the opioid alone based on an increased arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2 ). The current study used that model to assess the impact on respiration of non-benzodiazepine sedative psychotropic drugs representative of different drug classes (clozapine, quetiapine, risperidone, zolpidem, trazodone, carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, mirtazapine, topiramate, paroxetine, duloxetine, ramelteon, and suvorexant) administered alone and with oxycodone. At clinically relevant exposures, paroxetine, trazodone, and quetiapine given with oxycodone significantly increased pCO2 above the oxycodone effect. Analyses indicated that most pCO2 interaction effects were due to pharmacokinetic interactions resulting in increased oxycodone exposure. Increased pCO2 recorded with oxycodone-paroxetine co-administration exceeded expected effects from only drug exposure suggesting another mechanism for the increased pharmacodynamic response. This study identified drug-drug interaction effects depressing respiration in an animal model when quetiapine or paroxetine were co-administered with oxycodone. Clinical pharmacodynamic drug interaction studies are being conducted with these drugs to assess translatability of these findings.

CT Findings and Patterns of e-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury: A Multicenter Cohort of 160 Cases.

BACKGROUND: e-Cigarette or vaping-induced lung injury (EVALI) causes a spectrum of CT lung injury patterns. Relative frequencies and associations with vaping behavior are unknown. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the frequencies of imaging findings and CT patterns in EVALI and what is the relationship to vaping behavior? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CT scans of 160 subjects with EVALI from 15 institutions were retrospectively reviewed. CT findings and patterns were defined and agreed on via consensus. The parenchymal organizing pneumonia (OP) pattern was defined as regional or diffuse ground-glass opacity (GGO) ± consolidation without centrilobular nodules (CNs). An airway-centered OP pattern was defined as diffuse CNs with little or no GGO, whereas a mixed OP pattern was a combination of the two. Other patterns included diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), acute eosinophilic-like pneumonia, and pulmonary hemorrhage. Cases were classified as atypical if they did not fit into a pattern. Imaging findings, pattern frequencies, and injury severity were correlated with substance vaped (marijuana derives [tetrahydrocannabinol] [THC] only, nicotine derivates only, and both), vaping frequency, regional geography, and state recreational THC legality. One-way analysis of variance, χ2 test, and multivariable analyses were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (79.4% men) with a mean age of 28.2 years (range, 15-68 years) with EVALI underwent CT scan. Seventy-seven (48.1%), 15 (9.4%), and 68 (42.5%) patients admitted to vaping THC, nicotine, or both, respectively. Common findings included diffuse or lower lobe GGO with subpleural (78.1%), lobular (59.4%), or peribronchovascular (PBV) sparing (40%). Septal thickening (50.6%), lymphadenopathy (63.1%), and CNs (36.3%) were common. PBV sparing was associated with younger age (P = .02). Of 160 subjects, 156 (97.5%) had one of six defined patterns. Parenchymal, airway-centered, and mixed OP patterns were seen in 89 (55.6%), 14 (8.8%), and 32 (20%) patients, respectively. Acute eosinophilic-like pneumonia (six of 160, 3.8%), DAD (nine of 160, 5.6%), pulmonary hemorrhage (six of 160, 3.8%), and atypical (four of 160, 2.5%) patterns were less common. Increased vaping frequency was associated with more severe injury (P = .008). Multivariable analysis showed a negative association between vaping for > 6 months and DAD pattern (P = .03). Two subjects (1.25%) with DAD pattern died. There was no relation between pattern and injury severity, geographic location, and state legality of recreational use of THC. INTERPRETATION: EVALI typically causes an OP pattern but exists on a spectrum of acute lung injury. Vaping habits do not correlate with CT patterns except for negative correlation between vaping > 6 months and DAD pattern. PBV sparing, not previously described in acute lung injury, is a common finding.