Prevalencia del consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en una población de obesos / Prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de consumo de psicofármacos en una población de obesos. Material y métodos Recogimos datos procedentes de las historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de obesidad y visitados por el Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición y por el Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital del Mar en el periodo comprendido entre junio del 2005 y mayo del 2006.Material y métodos Las variables recopiladas fueron datos antropométricos, epidemiológicos y toxicológicos. También investigamos la frecuencia de patología concomitante. Resultados El consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en los pacientes con obesidad fue del 37%, siendo los más utilizados los antidepresivos (27%), los ansiolíticos, los sedantes y los hipnóticos y los antiepilépticos. Además, el 15% de los pacientes estaba recibiendo tratamiento con 2 o más psicofármacos, siendo la combinación más frecuente la asociación de antidepresivos con antiepilépticos. Conclusiones La prevalencia de consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en nuestra muestra fue superior a los datos de prevalencia observados en la población general. En el caso de los antidepresivos, el consumo fue 3 veces superior respecto a la población general (AU)

Objective To establish the prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population. Material and methods We collected data from the clinical records of obese patients attending the Endocrinology and Nutrition Department and Psychiatry Department of Hospital del Mar between June 2005 and May 2006 (n=259). We recorded anthropometric, epidemiological and toxicological data. We also investigated the prevalence of concomitant diseases in this population. Results Psychoactive drugs were consumed by 37% of obese patients, mainly antidepressants (27%), anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Moreover, 15% of all patients received combination treatment with two or more psychoactive drugs, mostly the association of an antidepressant and an antiepileptic drug. Conclusion The prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in our sample was higher than prevalence data observed in the general population, with antidepressant consumption being three-fold higher (AU)

[Prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population]. / Prevalencia del consumo de fármacos psicoactivos en una población de obesos.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in an obese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We collected data from the clinical records of obese patients attending the Endocrinology and Nutrition Department and Psychiatry Department of Hospital del Mar between June 2005 and May 2006 (n=259). We recorded anthropometric, epidemiological and toxicological data. We also investigated the prevalence of concomitant diseases in this population. RESULTS: Psychoactive drugs were consumed by 37% of obese patients, mainly antidepressants (27%), anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Moreover, 15% of all patients received combination treatment with two or more psychoactive drugs, mostly the association of an antidepressant and an antiepileptic drug. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption in our sample was higher than prevalence data observed in the general population, with antidepressant consumption being three-fold higher.

[Caffeine: a nutrient, a drug or a drug of abuse]. / Cafeína: un nutriente, un fármaco, o una droga de abuso.

Coffee, tea, chocolate and caffeinated drinks are the main sources of caffeine, which is consumed in almost all ages and socioeconomic levels. Caffeine acts as a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist in the central nervous system. Its main effects are as psychostimulant, acting in addition on the respiratory, muscular and cardiovascular systems. Basically, caffeine is metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome P-450 1A2 enzymes (CYP1A2). Several drugs can interact with its metabolism. The observed interindividual differences of its effects can be explained by variations in its metabolism. The main therapeutic use of caffeine is bronchodilator in respiratory diseases. Other possible uses are under investigation. Acute or chronic consumption of caffeine can induce several adverse effects, including intoxication that can be lethal. Finally, caffeine can be considered a drug of abuse. It has positive reinforcing actions, produces tolerance, and a withdrawal syndrome after stopping its consumption. Caffeine can cause different mental disorders such as dependence, which is not included in the DSM-IV-R, withdrawal syndrome and intoxication. Depending on its use, caffeine can be considered a nutrient, a drug or a drug of abuse.