Living frisbees: riesgos de patologías mentales en niños y niñas expuestos a thc durante su gestación / Living frisbees: risks of mental pathologies in boys and girls exposed to thc during their pregnancy

La Cannabis sativa es una planta que contiene componentes psicoactivos (principalmente tetrahidrocannabinol) y actualmente corresponde a la droga ilícita más consumida a nivel mundial. Además, desde el área de la salud mental, ha habido un creciente interés en evaluar la relación entre el consumo de marihuana y el desarrollo de trastornos mentales. En este contexto, considerando tanto este creciente aumento en su consumo a nivel mundial y el interés por conocer si está involucrada en la patogénesis de patologías de la esfera psiquiátrica, es clave analizar qué posibles riesgos de desarrollar patologías mentales presentan aquellos niños expuestos al tetrahidrocannabinol durante la gestación. A partir de esta situación, el objetivo de este FRISBEEs es determinar si los niños/as expuestos a THC durante su gestación tienen un mayor riesgo de patologías mentales, en comparación a aquellos niños no expuestos durante su gestación. Los materiales y métodos utilizados para responder esta pregunta fueron obtenidos a partir de una búsqueda bibliográfica en dos bases de datos, donde se analizó la evidencia disponible, y se seleccionó el estudio primario titulado "Maternal tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy and risk of adolescent psychotic symptoms in offspring", ya que era el que más se aproximaba a poder responder nuestra pregunta clínica. Este se analizó de forma crítica, llegando al resultado de que el estudio no fue concluyente en establecer una asociación entre el uso de cannabis y síntomas psicóticos. Como conclusión, dado que no se pudo llegar a establecer una asociación entre el uso de cannabis y el desarrollo de patologías mentales, se debería realizar más investigación sobre el tema dado la magnitud del consumo de cannabis a nivel mundial, para así poder llegar a conclusiones clínicas basadas en la evidencia y poder dar recomendaciones clínicas a las pacientes embarazadas.

Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains psychoactive components (mainly tetrahydrocannabinol) and currently corresponds to the most widely consumed illicit drug worldwide. In addition, from the area of mental health, there has been a growing interest in evaluating the relationship between marijuana use and the development of mental disorders. In this context, considering both this growing increase in its consumption worldwide and the interest in knowing if it is involved in the pathogenesis of pathologies in the psychiatric sphere, it is essential to analyze what possible risks of developing mental pathologies present those children exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol during gestation. Based on this situation, the objective of this FRISBEEs is to determine whether children exposed to THC during their pregnancy have a greater risk of mental pathologies, compared to those children not exposed during their pregnancy. The materials and methods used to answer this question were obtained from a bibliographic search in two databases, where the available evidence was analyzed, and the primary study entitled "Maternal tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy and risk of adolescent psychotic symptoms in offspring ", as he was the closest to answering our clinical question. This was critically analyzed, reaching the result that the study was not conclusive in establishing an association between the use of cannabis and psychotic symptoms. In conclusion, given that it was not possible to establish an association between the use of cannabis and the development of mental pathologies, more research should be carried out on the subject given the magnitude of cannabis use worldwide, in order to reach conclusions. evidence-based clinics and to be able to give clinical recommendations to pregnant patients

Padrões de uso de drogas e problemas associados em adolescentes judicializados / Drug use patterns and associated problems amongaAdolescent offenders / Patrones de consumo de drogas y problemas asociados en adolescentes infractores

Objetivou-se caracterizar uma amostra de adolescentes em conflito com a lei em relação ao consumo de substâncias e possíveis problemas associados. Participaram 120 adolescentes do sexo masculino, entre 13 e 18 anos, custodiados na Unidade de Atendimento Inicial da Fundação CASA, que responderam ao Drug Use Screening Inventory - Revised (DUSI-R). Análises descritivas indicaram que a maioria dos adolescentes teria feito uso de maconha (84%) e álcool (54%). Em relação ao padrão de consumo, 52% foram categorizados em uso abusivo ou de provável dependência. Quanto aos problemas associados ao consumo, os participantes possuem densidade média superior aos da população normativa nos dez domínios investigados pelo DUSI-R, com destaque aos Transtornos (M = 42), Escola (M = 50) e Pares (M = 55). Vale observar que 37% da amostra se declararam abstêmios, e que os desvios das densidades de problemas sugerem alta heterogeneidade nos níveis de necessidades/dificuldades, o que implica ultrapassar discursos que propalam a uniformidade dessa população. (AU)

This study aimed to characterize a sample of adolescents in conflict with the law regarding substance use and potential associated problems. The sample consisted of 120 male adolescents aged 13 to 18 in custody at the Initial Care Unit from Fundação CASA (Center for Adolescent Socio-Educational Care) in the state of São Paulo, who responded to the Drug Use Screening Inventory - Revised (DUSI-R). Descriptive analyses indicated that most adolescents were reported to have used marijuana (84%) and alcohol (54%). Regarding the pattern of consumption, 52% were categorized as abusive use or probable dependence. Regarding the problems associated with consumption, participants showed a higher mean density than the normative population in the ten domains investigated by the DUSI-R, with emphasis on Disorders (M = 42), School (M = 50), and Peers (M = 55). It is worth noting that 37% of the sample declared themselves abstainers and that the deviations of the problem densities suggest high heterogeneity in the levels of needs/difficulties, which implies overcoming discourses that promote the uniformity of this population. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar una muestra de adolescentes en conflicto con la ley por el consumo de sustancias y posibles problemas asociados. Participaron de la muestra 120 adolescentes varones de 13 a 18 años en custodia de la Unidad de Atención Inicial de la Fundación CASA, quienes respondieron al Drug Use Screening Inventory - Revised (DUSI-R). Los análisis descriptivos indicaron que la mayoría de los adolescentes habrían consumido marihuana (84%) y alcohol (54%). Respecto al patrón de consumo, el 52% fue categorizado como uso abusivo o probable dependencia. En cuanto a los problemas asociados con el consumo, los participantes tuvieron una densidad media/superior a la población normativa en los diez dominios investigados por DUSI-R, con énfasis en los Trastornos (M=42), la Escuela (M=50) y Parejas (M=55). Cabe destacar que el 37% de la muestra se declaró abstencionista y que las desviaciones de las densidades del problema sugieren una alta heterogeneidad en los niveles de necesidades/dificultades, lo que implica la superación de discursos que promueven la uniformidad de esta población. (AU)

Association between the use of Cannabis and elevated suicide risk in high school adolescents from Santa Marta, Colombia / Asociación entre el consumo de Cannabis y el riesgo de suicidio en adolescentes escolarizados de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Introduction: The use of Cannabis continues to increase worldwide, especially among adolescents. This use overlaps with cigarette smoking and other illicit and licit drugs and s associated with depressive symptoms and suicide risk. In our national context, little is known about the relationship between Cannabis use and suicide risk. Objective: To evaluate the association between Cannabis use and elevated suicide risk in high school adolescents in Santa Marta, Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of high school students between 13 and 17 years of age from official and private schools. We analyzed the use of Cannabis some time in life and suicide risk was quantified using the suicide ideation scale designed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies on Depression. Scores greater than eight were categorized as a high suicide risk. The crude and adjusted opportunity ratio (OR) was estimated. Results: A total of 1,462 students participated. Their mean age was 14.4 years (SD=0.8) and 60.3% were women. The lifetime prevalence of Cannabis use was 11.6% (95%CI: 10.0-13.2) and 13.3% of the students reported high suicide risk (95%CI: 11.6-15.0). Cannabis consumption was associated with high suicide risk adjusted by other variables (OR=1.88; 95%CI: 1.23-2.88). Conclusions: Cannabis use was associated with high suicide risk in high school adolescents in Santa Marta, Colombia. Other variables should be studied in order to further examine this association.

Introducción. La prevalencia del consumo de Cannabis sigue en aumento en el mundo, especialmente, entre adolescentes. Dicho consumo se sobrepone al de cigarrillos y otras sustancias lícitas e ilícitas, y se ha asociado con síntomas depresivos e incremento del riesgo suicida. En el contexto colombiano poco se conoce sobre la relación entre el consumo de Cannabis y el riesgo de suicidio. Objetivo. Evaluar la asociación entre el consumo de Cannabis y el riesgo suicida en adolescentes escolarizados de Santa Marta, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con una muestra probabilística de estudiantes de media vocacional entre los 13 y los 17 años de edad en colegios oficiales y privados. Se indagó sobre el consumo de Cannabis alguna vez en la vida y se cuantificó el riesgo suicida con la Center for Epidemiologic Studies on Depression Scale. Las puntuaciones superiores a ocho se categorizaron como riesgo suicida elevado. Se estimó la razón de oportunidad (OR) cruda y la ajustada. Resultados. Participaron 1.462 estudiantes. La media para la edad fue de 14,4 años (desviación estándar, DE=0,8) y el 60,3 % correspondía a mujeres. La prevalencia del consumo de Cannabis alguna vez en la vida fue del 11,6 % (IC95% 10,0-13,2) y el 13,3 % (IC95% 11,6-15,0) de los estudiantes presentó riesgo suicida elevado. El consumo de Cannabis se asoció con dicho riesgo ajustado por otras variables (OR=1,88; IC95% 1,23-2,88). Conclusiones. El consumo de Cannabis se asoció con el riesgo suicida elevado en adolescentes escolarizados de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Parental protective and risk factors regarding cannabis use in adolescence: A national sample from the Chilean school population.

Background: Research has increased our understanding of the parental factors associated with the initiation and development of cannabis use disorder in adolescents, but few studies about this have been performed in middle- or low-income countries.Objective: First, to examine whether perceived past parental drug use, parental monitoring, and attitude toward adolescent cannabis use are associated with general and problematic cannabis use in Chilean adolescents. Second, to explore whether perceived past parental drug use weakens the associations of protective factors with general and problematic adolescent cannabis use.Methods: Regression analyses were performed on cross-sectional data from a multistage probabilistic sample stratified by clusters (municipalities, school and grade) of 43,060 students (47% male, mean age 15.5 years) from grades 8 to 12, which was collected from the Chilean National School Survey on Drug Use (2013).Results: Perceived past parental drug use increased the likelihood of adolescent cannabis use in general, but not its problematic use. Parental monitoring of adolescents' whereabouts and parental opposition to adolescent cannabis use decreased the likelihood of adolescent cannabis use in general, as well as problematic use. Perceived past parental drug use only interacted with parental monitoring of school activities.Conclusions: In line with research from the United States, the Netherlands and Spain, parental monitoring of adolescents' whereabouts and a strong parental opposition to cannabis use appear to be protective factors, irrespective of past parental use. However, the effectiveness of monitoring adolescents' school activities seems to decrease when parents are perceived as having used drugs in the past.

Triple trajectories of alcohol use, tobacco use, and depressive symptoms as predictors of cannabis use disorders among urban adults.

Heavy cannabis use is associated with a wide array of physical, mental, and functional problems. Therefore, cannabis use disorders (CUDs) may be a major public health concern. Given the adverse health consequences of CUDs, the present study seeks to find possible precursors of CUDs. The current study consisted of 5 waves of data collection from the Harlem Longitudinal Development Study. Among 816 participants, about half are African Americans (52%), and the other half are Puerto Ricans (48%). We used Mplus to obtain the triple trajectories of alcohol use, tobacco use, and depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were then conducted to examine the associations between the trajectory groups and CUDs. The 5 trajectory groups were (1) moderate alcohol use, high tobacco use, and high depressive symptoms (MHH; 12%); (2) moderate alcohol use, high tobacco use, and low depressive symptoms (MHL; 26%); (3) moderate alcohol use, low tobacco use, and low depressive symptoms (MLL; 18%); (4) low alcohol use, no tobacco use, and high depressive symptoms (LNH; 11%); and (5) low alcohol use, no tobacco use, and low depressive symptoms (LNL; 33%). The MHH, MHL, MLL, and LNH trajectory groups were associated with an increased likelihood of having CUDs compared to the LNL trajectory group after controlling for a number of confounding factors (e.g., CUDs in the late 20s). The findings of the current longitudinal study suggest that treatments designed to reduce or quit drinking as well as smoking and to relieve depressive symptoms may reduce the prevalence of CUDs. (PsycINFO Database Record

Mental Health-related Emergency Department Visits Associated With Cannabis in Colorado.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis legalization in Colorado resulted in increased cannabis-associated health care utilization. Our objective was to examine cooccurrence of cannabis and mental health diagnostic coding in Colorado emergency department (ED) discharges and replicate the study in a subpopulation of ED visits where cannabis involvement and psychiatric diagnosis were confirmed through medical review. METHODS: We collected statewide ED International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnoses from the Colorado Hospital Association and a subpopulation of ED visits from a large, academic hospital from 2012 to 2014. Diagnosis codes identified visits associated with mental health and cannabis. Codes for mental health conditions and cannabis were confirmed by manual records review in the academic hospital subpopulation. Prevalence ratios (PRs) of mental health ED discharges were calculated to compare cannabis-associated visits to those without cannabis. Rates of mental health and cannabis-associated ED discharges were examined over time. RESULTS: Statewide data demonstrated a fivefold higher prevalence of mental health diagnoses in cannabis-associated ED visits (PR = 5.35, 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.27-5.43) compared to visits without cannabis. The hospital subpopulation supported this finding with a fourfold higher prevalence of psychiatric complaints in cannabis attributable ED visits (PR = 4.87, 95% CI = 4.36-5.44) compared to visits not attributable to cannabis. Statewide rates of ED visits associated with both cannabis and mental health significantly increased from 2012 to 2014 from 224.5 to 268.4 per 100,000 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In Colorado, the prevalence of mental health conditions in ED visits with cannabis-associated diagnostic codes is higher than in those without cannabis. There is a need for further research determining if these findings are truly attributed to cannabis or merely coincident with concurrent increased use and availability.

Recreational Drug and Psychosocial Profile in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Seeking Antiviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Practitioners treating hepatitis C (HCV) provide healthcare to a special population with high rates of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. We investigated the psychosocial profile in HCV patients and tested what variables affect commencement of antiviral therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Recreational drug use (RDU), marijuana (THC), alcohol use, and psychiatric history were initially investigated with a questionnaire prior to history and physical. Following an educational intervention, we reinterrogated patients for RDU and THC use, and revision of initial statement was documented. Variables affecting commencement of antiviral therapy were analysed with logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of 153 patients, 140 (92%) answered the questionnaire. Intervention increased total yield by 6%, however, 39% (11/28) of those initially denying use revised their statement. Drug screening identified 9 more patients with RDU/THC use. Half of patients consuming alcohol were heavy drinkers, and psychiatric disease was identified in 54%. Only 73 (48%) of 139 patients eligible for antivirals received treatment. Multivariable analysis revealed that younger patients (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08), and those testing positive on drug screen (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.92) were less likely to be treated. Denial by insurance and loss to follow-up were the most common reasons for not starting antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION: Substance abuse is highly prevalent among HCV patients, and it is difficult to tell prior from current users. Integral care of HCV patients should include a diligent screen for substance abuse and rehabilitation referral, aiming to increase the pool of patients eligible for antiviral therapy. This can only be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach.

Mexican-origin youth substance use trajectories: Associations with cultural and family factors.

The current study identified alcohol and cannabis use trajectories among a sample of Mexican-origin youth and examined cultural and familial correlates from childhood to adolescence. Mexican-origin youth (N = 674) from Northern California were assessed annually from ages 10 to 17 (8 waves). Latent class growth modeling examined variability in developmental trajectories for last 3-month alcohol and cannabis use frequency. Analyses also examined between-trajectory differences in youth's cultural practices and values, family cultural conflict, general parent-child conflict, and parental monitoring at 4 time points from ages 10 to 16. Analyses resulted in a 4-class model for alcohol use, comprising nonusers (62%), early-increasing (10%), adolescent-limited (11%), and late-onset (17%) subgroups, and a 4-class model for cannabis use, including nonusers (74%), early-increasing (8%), occasional use (16%), and high-declining (2%) subgroups. Findings suggested that early language use (higher English at age 10 and lower Spanish at age 12) was a temporally distal marker for several alcohol and cannabis use trajectories, whereas lower traditional family values at ages 14 and 16 were associated with several classes characterized by early substance use. Elevations in familial (parent-child conflict, parental monitoring) risk factors co-occurred in time and generally suggested temporally proximal connections with substance use behavior. Further, there was evidence that a less prominent decline in certain protective factors (e.g., father monitoring) was associated with reductions in substance use. These findings inform the literature by describing youth subgroups with variable risk for substance use development, and suggest modifiable risk factors associated with more frequent substance use trajectories. (PsycINFO Database Record

Perception of freedom in leisure among substance users and nonusers / Percepção de liberdade no lazer entre usuários e não usuários de substâncias / La percepción de la libertad en el ócio entre usuarios y no usuarios de sustâncias

The aim of this study was to verify that substance use among adolescents would be linked to perceptions of freedom in leisure. It was selected for convenience sampling 186 adolescents at Projeto Quixote in a public school in Guarulhos. It used as questionnaire Data Sociodemographic and Leisure, The Leisure Diagnostic Battery, version B (PLL) to measure Perceived Freedom in Leisure and Drug Use Screening Inventory for classification of substance use, all self-administered. Based on 165 reviews analyzed, the frequency of use of ecstasy and marijuana in the last month were related to higher rates of PLL. The number of substances used in the last month had no significant effect. These data suggest specific components of leisure related to the frequency of substance use, such as perceived control and need at leisure. (AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se o uso de substâncias entre adolescentes de estaria relacionado relacionado à percepção de liberdade no lazer (PLL). Selecionou-se por conveniência 186 adolescentes no Projeto Quixote e de uma escola estadual de Guarulhos. Utilizou-se o Questionário de Dados Sóciodemográficos e de Lazer, The Leisure Diagnostic Battery, version B (PLL) para mensurar a Percepção de Liberdade no Lazer, e o Drug Use Screening Inventory para classificação do uso de substâncias. Dentre as 165 avaliações analisadas, a frequência do uso de ecstasy e maconha no último mês relacionaram-se com maiores índices do PLL e o número de substâncias usadas no último mês não teve efeito significativo. Os dados indicaram que a frequência do uso de substâncias relaciona-se com subitens do PLL. Observou-se tendência ao aumento do PLL conforme o aumento do uso de substâncias. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar que el uso de sustancias entre los adolescentes podría estar vinculada a la percepción de la libertad en el ocio. Fue seleccionado para el muestreo de conveniencia 186 adolescentes en Proyecto Quijote en una escuela pública de Guarulhos. Se utiliza como cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos y de ocio, la batería de diagnóstico Ocio, versión B (PLL) para medir la percepción de la Libertad en Ocio y Uso de Drogas Inventario de cribado para la clasificación del uso de sustancias, todos los auto-administrado. Basado en 165 comentarios analizan, la frecuencia de uso de éxtasis y marihuana en el último mes se relacionaron con mayores tasas de PLL. El número de sustancias utilizadas en el último mes no tuvo ningún efecto significativo. Estos datos sugieren componentes específicos de ocio relacionadas con la frecuencia de uso de sustancias, como el control percibido y necesitan en el ocio. (AU)

Uso de sustancias psicoactivas y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes escolarizados / Psychoactive substances use and health-related quality of life among school age adolescents

Background The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents is a major social and public health concern. Aim To analyze association of substance abuse and multiple drug use with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents attending a high school in Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of adolescents attending high school. HRQOL was assessed using KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire and substance use was measured using the Global school-based student health survey. Participants had to complete online, self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate Odd ratios. Results A total of 550 adolescents aged 16 ± 1 years old completed the questionnaires. Thirty nine percent consumed alcohol during the last month, 31% smoked, 33% used marijuana and 33% admitted the use of multiple drugs. High-risk alcohol consumption was associated with a lower perception of psychological well-being, self-perception and school environment. This last dimension was affected in those who admitted marijuana use during the last month. Multiple drug use (three substances) was associated with a lower perception of physical and psychological well-being, self-perception, relationship with parents, family life and school environment. Conclusions High-risk alcohol consumption and multiple drug use (three substances) have a negative impact on the HRQOL of school age adolescents.

A longitudinal study of electronic cigarette use and onset of conventional cigarette smoking and marijuana use among Mexican adolescents.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated whether e-cigarette trial among Mexican adolescents increased the likelihood of trial and use of conventional cigarettes or marijuana use at follow-up. METHOD: A school-based longitudinal survey was conducted in 60 public middle schools from the three largest cities in Mexico. Students (12-13years old) were surveyed in 2015 and followed up 20 months later (n=6574). Generalized estimating equations models were used to evaluate the association between e-cigarette trial at baseline and conventional cigarettes smoking and marijuana use at follow-up. RESULT: Adolescents who had tried e-cigarettes (but not cigarettes) at baseline were more likely to have tried conventional cigarettes at followup compared to adolescents who had tried neither e-cigarettes nor cigarettes (43% vs. 24%, respectively; RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.18-1.70). We also found that adolescents who had tried both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes at baseline were more likely to have tried marijuana at follow-up compared to adolescents who had tried neither tobacco product (20% vs. 4%, respectively; RR 2.67, 95% CI 1.78-4.02). Trial of only e-cigarettes was not independently associated with marijuana use at followup. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who had tried e-cigarettes were more likely to have tried conventional cigarettes and marijuana 20 months later. Although e-cigarettes have been banned in Mexico, it is likely that additional policies and public health campaigns are needed to reduce adolescent use of e-cigarettes and its consequences.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Cannabis Use Problems Identification Test among Chilean university students: A validation study.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, concerns mount about escalating cannabis use. Thus, it is important to have tools for early identification of at-risk users. The Cannabis Use Problems Identification Test (CUPIT) is a useful screening tool, and the aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of its Spanish version among Chilean university students. METHODS: The CUPIT was translated into Spanish, pre-tested in a focus group (n=8), and then tested through an online survey (n=3798, 28% response rate). Of the 1061 respondents, 578 reported 12-month cannabis use. Internal reliability, internal structure, and concurrent validity (using the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test [CAST]) were obtained. Test-retest reliability was calculated (n=150) at 3-4 weeks (30% of attrition rate). Discriminative validity was evaluated comparing CUPIT subscales and four DSM-IV diagnostic groups. Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Test-retest Pearson correlation between total CUPIT scores of 0.90 (p<0.001), and highly significant Kendall Tau-b coefficients for individual items (p<0.001) indicated excellent reliability. Concordance between the CUPIT and CAST (Pearson correlation 0.73, p<0.001) indicated good concurrent validity. ANOVA revealed significant differences in CUPIT scores between the four DSM-IV diagnostic groups (p<0.001), indicative of good discriminative validity. ROC analysis (gold standard: DSM-IV abuse/dependence) yielded an AUC value of 0.72, indicating acceptable discriminative capability. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish CUPIT is reliable, valid, and accepted by the university population studied, and, thus, a potentially useful tool for identifying both problematic and at-risk users.

[Psychoactive substances use and health-related quality of life among school age adolescents]. / Uso de sustancias psicoactivas y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes escolarizados.

Background The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents is a major social and public health concern. Aim To analyze association of substance abuse and multiple drug use with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents attending a high school in Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of adolescents attending high school. HRQOL was assessed using KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire and substance use was measured using the Global school-based student health survey. Participants had to complete online, self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate Odd ratios. Results A total of 550 adolescents aged 16 ± 1 years old completed the questionnaires. Thirty nine percent consumed alcohol during the last month, 31% smoked, 33% used marijuana and 33% admitted the use of multiple drugs. High-risk alcohol consumption was associated with a lower perception of psychological well-being, self-perception and school environment. This last dimension was affected in those who admitted marijuana use during the last month. Multiple drug use (three substances) was associated with a lower perception of physical and psychological well-being, self-perception, relationship with parents, family life and school environment. Conclusions High-risk alcohol consumption and multiple drug use (three substances) have a negative impact on the HRQOL of school age adolescents.

Delay and probability discounting by drug-dependent cocaine and marijuana users.

RATIONALE: Steep discounting of delayed monetary rewards by substance-dependent individuals is well-established. Less is known, however, about discounting other kinds of outcomes, and very little is known about discounting by marijuana-dependent individuals. OBJECTIVES: To determine how cocaine-dependent individuals and marijuana-dependent individuals discount various delayed and probabilistic outcomes, both positive and negative. METHODS: Marijuana-dependent individuals, cocaine-dependent individuals, and controls performed delay and probability discounting tasks with various hypothetical outcomes. RESULTS: The cocaine-dependent (but not the marijuana-dependent) group discounted delayed liquid rewards and monetary gains, but not delayed losses, more steeply than the control group. In contrast, the marijuana-dependent group (but not the cocaine-dependent group) discounted delayed monetary losses more steeply than controls. There were no group differences in discounting for any of the probabilistic outcomes. Factor analysis revealed a delayed gain factor, a probabilistic gain factor, and a delayed/probabilistic loss factor. The delayed gain factor scores for the cocaine-dependent group, but not the marijuana-dependent group, differed significantly from those of the control group. The groups did not differ in their probabilistic gain factor scores, and the marijuana-dependent group did not differ from the controls with respect to their loss factor scores. CONCLUSIONS: These results are inconsistent with the idea that steep discounting of both gains and losses and both delayed and probabilistic outcomes reflects a general impulsivity trait, as well as with the idea that all drug-dependent individuals are steep discounters. Rather, differences in discounting appear to be related to both the type of outcome and the specific drug on which individuals are dependent.

Discriminability of personality profiles in isolated and Co-morbid marijuana and nicotine users.

Specific personality traits have been linked with substance use disorders (SUDs), genetic mechanisms, and brain systems. Thus, determining the specificity of personality traits to types of SUD can advance the field towards defining SUD endophenotypes as well as understanding the brain systems involved for the development of novel treatments. Disentangling these factors is particularly important in highly co morbid SUDs, such as marijuana and nicotine use, so treatment can occur effectively for both. This study evaluated personality traits that distinguish isolated and co-morbid use of marijuana and nicotine. To that end, we collected the NEO Five Factor Inventory in participants who used marijuana-only (n=59), nicotine-only (n=27), both marijuana and nicotine (n=28), and in non-using controls (n=28). We used factor analyses to identify personality profiles, which are linear combinations of the five NEO Factors. We then conducted Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis to test accuracy of the personality factors in discriminating isolated and co-morbid marijuana and nicotine users from each other. ROC curve analysis distinguished the four groups based on their NEO personality patterns. Results showed that NEO Factor 2 (openness, extraversion, agreeableness) discriminated marijuana and marijuana+nicotine users from controls and nicotine-only users with high predictability. Additional ANOVA results showed that the openness dimension discriminated marijuana users from nicotine users. These findings suggest that personality dimensions distinguish marijuana users from nicotine users and should be considered in prevention strategies.

The Use of Cannabis as a Predictor of Early Onset of Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Attempts.

Introduction. Bipolar disorder (BD) implies risk of suicide. The age at onset (AAO) of BD carries prognostic significance. Substance abuse may precede the onset of BD and cannabis is the most common illicit drug used. The main goal of this study is to review the association of cannabis use as a risk factor for early onset of BD and for suicide attempts. Materials and Methods. PubMed database was searched for articles using key words "bipolar disorder," "suicide attempts," "cannabis," "marijuana," "early age at onset," and "early onset." Results. The following percentages in bipolar patients were found: suicide attempts 3.6-42%; suicide attempts and substance use 5-60%; suicide attempts and cannabis use 15-42%. An early AAO was associated with cannabis misuse. The mean age of the first manic episode in individuals with and without BD and cannabis use disorder (CUD) was 19.5 and 25.1 years, respectively. The first depressive episode was at 18.5 and 24.4 years, respectively. Individuals misusing cannabis showed increased risk of suicide. Discussion. Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of suicide attempts and with early AAO. However, the effect of cannabis at the AAO and suicide attempts is not clear.

The impact of oral health conditions, socioeconomic status and use of specific substances on quality of life of addicted persons.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the impact of oral health conditions, socioeconomic status and use of specific substances on quality of life of alcohol and drug addicted persons, receiving care at outpatient treatment facilities in Brazil. METHODS: A random sample of 262 participants, mean age 37 years, from Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS AD) located in three cities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were clinically examined for caries experience (DMFT index) by a calibrated examiner. They were asked to complete a series of questionnaires, including the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), socioeconomic characteristics, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL), which were considered the outcome variables of the study. Associations between oral health status, socioeconomic characteristics, substance involvement with WHOQOL were investigated by means of the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis with a level of significance α < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean DMF index of the group was 13.0. Subjects with DMFT >14 (OR = 2.25; CI 95% = 1.30-3.89); low-income (OR = 2.41; CI 95% = 1.22-4.77) and users of cocaine/crack (OR = 2.02; CI 95% = 1.15-3.59) were more likely to have poor general quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the general quality of life of addicted persons was associated with caries experience, low income and cocaine/crack use.

Frequency and Risk of Marijuana Use among Substance-Using Health Care Patients in Colorado with and without Access to State Legalized Medical Marijuana.

With increasing use of state legalized medical marijuana across the country, health care providers need accurate information on patterns of marijuana and other substance use for patients with access to medical marijuana. This study compared frequency and severity of marijuana use, and use of other substances, for patients with and without state legal access to medical marijuana. Data were collected from 2,030 patients who screened positive for marijuana use when seeking health care services in a large, urban safety-net medical center. Patients were screened as part of a federally funded screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) initiative. Patients were asked at screening whether they had a state-issued medical marijuana card and about risky use of tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit substances. A total of 17.4% of marijuana users had a medical marijuana card. Patients with cards had higher frequency of marijuana use and were more likely to screen at moderate than low or high risk from marijuana use. Patients with cards also had lower use of other substances than patients without cards. Findings can inform health care providers of both the specific risks of frequent, long-term use and the more limited risks of other substance use faced by legal medical marijuana users.