Cross-Sectional Associations Between Lifetime Use of Psychedelic Drugs and Psychometric Measures During the COVID-19 Confinement: A Transcultural Study.

Background: One of the main public health strategies adopted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic consisted of implementing strict lockdowns to stop the transmission of the virus. Despite being an effective measure, the confinement and the associated social isolation create a stressful, potentially lengthy situations that has been proven to have several psychological consequences. Given the potential benefits that certain psychedelic drugs have shown for the treatment of psychological disorders, this study aimed to assess the impact of lifetime psychedelic drug use on mental health in relation to the first strict lockdown adopted by various countries (April-July 2020). Methods: Subjects completed an online survey that inquired about sociodemographic factors, activities, and lifestyle factors during confinement, as well as health and mental health related factors. Subjects were asked about their lifetime use of psychedelic drugs (MDMA, ayahuasca, psilocybin-containing mushrooms, LSD, peyote, San Pedro, Bufo alvarius or 5-MeO-DMT, and others), being classified as regular users (more than once per 6 months), occasional users, or non-users. The survey included psychometric tests used to assess psychological distress, peritraumatic stress, social support, psychopathological symptoms, and personality. Linear regressions were performed with psychedelic drug users as the independent variable and psychometric factors as the outcomes, while correcting for age, gender, language, religion, spirituality, and use of non-psychedelic drugs. Results: The study included 2,974 English, Portuguese, and Spanish speakers (497 regular users of psychedelic drugs, 606 occasional users, and 1,968 non-users). On average, respondents were 36 years old and 70% were female. Psychedelic drug users, especially regular ones, reported less psychological distress, less peritraumatic stress, and more social support. Regarding personality measures, psychedelic drug users scored higher on the novelty-seeking and self-transcendence scales, and lower on cooperativeness. Conclusion: Our findings showed that regular users of psychedelic drugs had less psychological stress and some personality differences when compared to occasional users and non-users. This suggests that either the use of psychedelics might be a protective factor itself or people with certain previous traits are more prone to frequently using psychedelic drugs. Future prospective longitudinal research should investigate the underlying processes observed in this study to develop consistent hypotheses.

Quality of Life, Mental Health, Personality and Patterns of Use in Self-Medicated Cannabis Users with Chronic Diseases: A 12-Month Longitudinal Study.

The number of patients using cannabis for therapeutic purposes is growing worldwide. While research regarding the treatment of certain diseases/disorders with cannabis and cannabinoids is also expanding, only a few longitudinal studies have assessed the mid-term impacts of medical cannabis use on psychological variables and quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study was to assess the psychological safety and QoL of patients with chronic diseases who self-medicate with cannabis over time. We recruited patients with various chronic diseases who use cannabis and collected data regarding patterns of cannabis use as well as mental health, personality and QoL. Participants were followed-up at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months. Hair analysis was conducted to confirm the presence of cannabinoids. Personality assessment showed a consistent decrease in self-transcendence and self-directedness scores. Neither cognitive nor psychopathological deterioration was found. There were also no variations in QoL. Mid-term use of medical cannabis seems to show adequate tolerability regarding cognitive and psychopathological abilities, and it may help patients with chronic diseases to maintain an acceptable QoL.

Neuropsychological Interventions for Decision-Making in Addiction: a Systematic Review.

Decision-making deficits are strong predictors of poor clinical outcomes in addiction treatment. However, research on interventions that address decision-making deficits among people with addiction is scarce and has not been analyzed. We aimed to systematically review evidence on neuropsychological interventions for decision-making deficits in addiction to identify promising therapies. Eligibility criteria were (1) participants with a diagnosis of substance use or behavioral addictive disorders, (2) interventions consisting of (neuro) psychological treatments that address decision-making, (3) comparators comprising control (sham) interventions, treatment as usual or no-treatment, (4) outcomes including a decision-making task, and (5) studies including RCTs and non-randomized trials. Search terms included addiction (or alcohol/drug/substance use/gambling) AND treatment (or specific interventions) AND decision-making (or specific tasks). The search yielded 728 hits, and two independent assessors agreed on the final selection of 12 articles. Interventions included Contingency Management (3 studies), Working Memory Training (2 studies) Goal Management Training (2 studies), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2 studies), Reality Therapy, Motivational Interview and Monetary Management. The main outcome measures were tasks of delay discounting, risk-taking and reward-based decision-making. Results showed that Goal Management Training improves reward-based decision-making, while Contingency Management combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has beneficial effects on delay discounting. The evidence on Working Memory Training and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as stand-alone treatments was mixed. Motivational Interview and Monetary Management had no significant effects on decision-making. Bias control across studies was moderate. We conclude that Goal Management Training and Contingency Management combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have potential to modify decision-making in people with addiction. RCTs are needed to establish the efficacy of these interventions.

Personality patterns predict the risk of antisocial behavior in Spanish-speaking adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: There is a renewed interest in incorporating personality variables in criminology theories in order to build models able to integrate personality variables and biological factors with psychosocial and sociocultural factors. The aim of this article is the assessment of personality dimensions that contribute to the prediction of antisocial behavior in adolescents. METHODS: For this purpose, a sample of adolescents from El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain was obtained. The sample consisted of 1035 participants with a mean age of 16.2. There were 450 adolescents from a forensic population (those who committed a crime) and 585 adolescents from the normal population (no crime committed). All of participants answered personality tests about neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism, sensation seeking, impulsivity, and violence risk. RESULTS: Principal component analysis of the data identified two independent factors: (i) the disinhibited behavior pattern (PDC), formed by the dimensions of neuroticism, psychoticism, impulsivity and risk of violence; and (ii) the extrovert behavior pattern (PEC), formed by the dimensions of sensation risk and extraversion. Both patterns significantly contributed to the prediction of adolescent antisocial behavior in a logistic regression model which properly classifies a global percentage of 81.9%, 86.8% for non-offense and 72.5% for offense behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The classification power of regression equations allows making very satisfactory predictions about adolescent offense commission. Educational level has been classified as a protective factor, while age and gender (male) have been classified as risk factors.

Los patrones de personalidad predicen el riesgo de la conducta antisocial en adolescentes hispanohablantes / Personality patterns predict the risk of antisocial behavior in Spanish-speaking adolescents

Introducción. En los últimos años existe un renovado interés por incorporar las variables de personalidad en las teorías criminológicas para construir modelos que integren variables de personalidad y factores biológicos con factores psicosociales y socioculturales. Recientes estudios revelan que las relaciones entre dimensiones de personalidad y delincuencia podrían representar un continuo dentro de las conductas antisociales. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido la evaluación de las dimensiones de personalidad que contribuyan a la predicción de la conducta antisocial de los adolescentes. Metodología. Para ello se obtuvo una muestra de adolescentes de El Salvador, México y España formada por 1035 participantes con una edad media de 16,2 años. Los adolescentes que han cometido delito han sido 450 y los que no lo han cometido han sido 585. Todos los participantes contestaron cuestionarios de personalidad que miden las dimensiones de neuroticismo, extraversión, psicoticismo, búsqueda de sensaciones, impulsividad y riesgo de violencia. Resultados. El patrón desinhibido de conducta (PDC) se forma con las dimensiones de neuroticismo, psicoticismo, impulsividad y riesgo de violencia. El patrón extravertido de conducta (PEC) se forma con las dimensiones de búsqueda de sensaciones y extraversión. Ambos patrones permiten predecir la conducta antisocial de los adolescentes mediante un modelo de regresión logística que clasifica correctamente un porcentaje global del 81,9%, siendo para el caso del no delito 86,8% y en el caso de delito 72,5%. Conclusiones. Se establecieron relaciones entre el nivel educativo, la edad, el género y la conducta antisocial. De forma que el nivel educativo resulta como un factor de protección y la edad y el género masculino como factores de riesgo para la conducta antisocial (AU)

Introduction. There is a renewed interest in incorporating personality variables in criminology theories in order to build models able to integrate personality variables and biological factors with psychosocial and sociocultural factors. The aim of this article is the assessment of personality dimensions that contribute to the prediction of antisocial behavior in adolescents. Methods. For this purpose, a sample of adolescents from El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain was obtained. The sample consisted of 1035 participants with a mean age of 16.2. There were 450 adolescents from a forensic population (those who committed a crime) and 585 adolescents from the normal population (no crime committed). All of participants answered personality tests about neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism, sensation seeking, impulsivity, and violence risk. Results. Principal component analysis of the data identified two independent factors: (II) the disinhibited behavior pattern (PDC), formed by the dimensions of neuroticism, psychoticism, impulsivity and risk of violence; and (ii) the extrovert behavior pattern (PEC), formed by the dimensions of sensation risk and extraversion. Both patterns significantly contributed to the prediction of adolescent antisocial behavior in a logistic regression model which properly classifies a global percentage of 81.9%, 86.8% for non-offense and 72.5% for offense behavior. Conclusions. The classification power of regression equations allows making very satisfactory predictions about adolescent offense commission. Educational level has been classified as a protective factor, while age and gender (male) have been classified as risk factors (AU)

Psychometric properties of the Plutchik´s Violence Risk Scale on adolescent sample of Spanish-speaking population.

OBJETIVE: The objective of the present study was the validation and scaling of the Plutchik's Violence Risk Scale (EV) in adolescent Spanish-speaking population. METHODS: For this purpose, a sample of adolescents from El Salvador, Mexico and Spain was obtained. The sample consisted of 1035 participants with a mean age of 16.2. There were 450 adolescents from forensic population (those who committed crime) and 585 adolescents from normal population (no crime committed). RESULTS: The internal consistency of the EV was estimated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and with a value of 0.782. As for validity, the factorial structures found explain a large proportion of the variance (53.385%); the convergent validity was estimated by the correlation between the dimensions found, the EV and sociodemographic, criminological and personality variables. The developed scales are presented, for the first time in a cross-cultural sample, differentiating between gender and continent. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, the obtained results suggest that the EV is a valid and reliable instrument within adolescent Spanish-speaking population. Furthermore, it is a quick scale, easy to apply, which is something valuable in forensic assessment.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Riesgo de Violencia de Plutchik en una muestra de jóvenes hispanohablantes / Psychometric properties of the Plutchik´s Violence Risk Scale on adolescent sample of Spanish-speaking population

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido la validación y baremación de la Escala de Riesgo de Violencia de Plutchik (EV) en población adolescente hispanohablante. Material y métodos. Para ello se obtuvo una muestra de adolescentes de El Salvador, México y España formada por 1035 participantes con una edad media de 16,2 años. Los adolescentes que han cometido delito han sido 450 y los que no lo han cometido han sido 585. Resultados. La consistencia interna de la EV se ha calculado mediante el coeficiente de fiabilidad alfa de Cronbach, cuyo valor ha sido 0,782. Con respecto a la validez, la estructura factorial hallada explica un porcentaje elevado de varianza (53,385%) y se estudia la validez convergente mediante la correlación de los factores hallados y la EV con variables sociodemográficas, criminológicas y de personalidad. Se presentan los baremos elaborados, por primera vez en una muestra transcultural, diferenciando con respecto al género y al continente. Conclusiones. En consecuencia, los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la EV es un instrumento válido y fiable en población adolescente hispanohablante. Es una escala rápida y fácil de aplicar lo cual es muy valioso en la evaluación forense

Objetive. The objective of the present study was the validation and scaling of the Plutchik´s Violence Risk Scale (EV) in adolescent Spanish-speaking population. Methods. For this purpose, a sample of adolescents from El Salvador, Mexico and Spain was obtained. The sample consisted of 1035 participants with a mean age of 16.2. There were 450 adolescents from forensic population (those who committed crime) and 585 adolescents from normal population (no crime committed). Results. The internal consistency of the EV was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and with a value of 0.782. As for validity, the factorial structures found explain a large proportion of the variance (53.385%); the convergent validity was estimated by the correlation between the dimensions found, the EV and sociodemographic, criminological and personality variables. The developed scales are presented, for the first time in a cross-cultural sample, differentiating between gender and continent. Conclusions. Consequently, the obtained results suggest that the EV is a valid and reliable instrument within adolescent Spanish-speaking population. Furthermore, it is a quick scale, easy to apply, which is something valuable in forensic assessment

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de impulsividad de Plutchik en una muestra de jóvenes hispanohablantes / Psychometric Properties of Plutchik’s Impulsivity Scale in Juvenile Spanish-speaking population

El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido la validación y baremación de la Escala de Impulsividad de Plutchik (EI) en población adolescente hispanohablante. Para ello se obtuvo una muestra de adolescentes de El Salvador, México y España formada por 1035 participantes con una edad media de 16,2 años. Los adolescentes de la población forense (han cometido delito) han sido 450 y los de población normalizada (no han cometido delito) han sido 585. La consistencia interna de la EI se ha calculado mediante el coeficiente de fiabilidad alfa de Cronbach, cuyo valor ha sido 0,713. Con respecto a la validez, las estructuras factoriales halladas muestran la solidez del constructo porque explican un porcentaje elevado de varianza y extraen factores que son estables para cada submuestra. Se presentan los baremos elaborados, por primera vez en una muestra transcultural, diferenciando con respecto al género y al delito. En consecuencia, los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la EI es un instrumento válido y fiable en población adolescente hispanohablante. Es una escala rápida y fácil de aplicar lo cual es muy valioso en la evaluación forense

The objective of the present study was to validate and score the Plutchik ́s Impulsivity Scale (IS) in adolescent offenders in Spanish-speaking population. A sample of adolescents from El Salvador, Mexico and Spain was obtained. The sample consisted of 1035 participants with a mean age of 16.2. The forensic population included 450 adolescents (those who committed an offense) and the normal population (no offense committed) 585 adolescents. The internal consistency of the IS was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, whose value was 0.713. Regarding validity, the factorial structures found showed the construct’s robustness because they explained a large proportion of the variance and extract factors that are stable for each subsample. The scales developed for the first time in a transcultural sample, differentiating gender and crime, are presented. Consequently, the results obtained suggest that the IS is a valid and reliable instrument within an adolescent Spanish-speaking population. It is a rapid to use and easy to apply scale, which is very valuable in forensic evaluation

Psychometric Properties of Plutchik’s Impulsivity Scale in Juvenile Spanishspeaking population.

The objective of the present study was to validate and score the Plutchik´s Impulsivity Scale (IS) in adolescent offenders in Spanish-speaking population. A sample of adolescents from El Salvador, Mexico and Spain was obtained. The sample consisted of 1035 participants with a mean age of 16.2. The forensic population included 450 adolescents (those who committed an offense) and the normal population (no offense committed) 585 adolescents. The internal consistency of the IS was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, whose value was 0.713. Regarding validity, the factorial structures found showed the construct’s robustness because they explained a large proportion of the variance and extract factors that are stable for each subsample. The scales developed for the first time in a transcultural sample, differentiating gender and crime, are presented. Consequently, the results obtained suggest that the IS is a valid and reliable instrument within an adolescent Spanish-speaking population. It is a rapid to use and easy to apply scale, which is very valuable in forensic evaluation.