Drug overdose deaths in Brazil between 2000 and 2020: an analysis of sociodemographics and intentionality

Objectives: To examine drug overdose records in Brazil from 2000 to 2020, analyzing trends over time in overdoses and overall sociodemographic characteristics of the deceased. Methods: Using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), we identified records from 2000-2020 in which the underlying cause-of-death was one of the following codes: X40-X45 (accidental poisoning), X60-X65 (intentional poisoning), or Y10-Y15 (undetermined intentionality poisoning). The Brazilian dataset included 21,410 deaths. We used joinpoint regression analysis to assess changes in trends over time. Results: People who died of drug overdoses in Brazil between 2000 and 2020 had a mean age of 38.91 years; 38.45% were women, and 44.01% were identified as White. Of the overdose deaths, 44.70% were classified as intentional and 32.12% were classified as unintentional. Among the identified drugs, stimulants were the most common class. However, most records did not report which drug was responsible for death. Conclusion: Sociodemographic trends in overdose deaths in Brazil must guide country-specific policies. Nevertheless, data collection protocols must be improved, particularly regarding the drug used in overdoses.

Análisis médico legal de la toxicomanía por MDMA: reporte de caso / Medical-legal relationship of MDMA drug addiction: case report

Resumen El análisis por toxicomanía representa un proceso común solicitado por la Autoridad Judicial para determinar si un usuario presenta hallazgos compatibles con el uso de una droga a nivel clínico, componentes histológicos, patológicos y toxicológicos que puedan generar su uso. Es necesario destacar las limitaciones del ambiente clínico donde se pueden generar múltiples hallazgos, y de la toxicología forense donde a pesar de la especificidad a la que se asocia; también se encuentra limitada por la capacidad de sus equipos tecnológicos. La resonancia magnética nuclear cuantitativa de hidrógeno representa grandes ventajas al demostrar la presencia de una droga ilegal, así como la posibilidad de disminuir costos y tiempo laboral. El uso del MDMA como tratamiento con una reciente aprobación para un estudio de fase III por la FDA, también requiere que se valore el motivo de su uso, por lo que para realizar un análisis médico legal se contemplaron diversos elementos de juicio a fin de satisfacer la evaluación sobre la toxicomanía por MDMA en un usuario que presentó un tejido granular blanco tipo polvo en la sección distal del tabique nasal y negó el consumo de metanfetaminas.

Abstract The analysis for drug addiction represents a common process requested by the Judicial Authority to determine if a user presents findings compatible with the use of a drug at a clinical level, histological, pathological and toxicological components that may generate its use. It is necessary to highlight the limitations of the clinical environment where multiple findings can be generated, and of forensic toxicology where despite the specificity to which it is associated; it is also limited by the capacity of its technological equipment. Quantitative hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance represents great advantages when demonstrating the presence of an illegal drug, as well as the possibility of reducing costs and labor time. The use of MDMA as a treatment with a recent approval for a phase III study by the FDA, also requires that the reason for its use be assessed, therefore, in order to carry out a legal medical analysis, various elements of judgment were considered in order to satisfy evaluation of MDMA drug addiction in a user who presented with white powder-like granular tissue in the distal section of the nasal septum and denied the use of methamphetamine.

Tormenta distónica en psiquiatría de enlace: a propósito de un caso / Dystonic storm in consultation-liaison psychiatry

RESUMEN Las distonías son trastornos del movimiento caracterizados por contracciones musculares sostenidas que producen movimientos repetitivos de torsión o posturas anormales. Pueden clasificarse según la etiología como primarias (formas idiopáticas y genéticas) o secundarias. La presentación asociada con episodios generalizados, intensos y con exacerbación de contracturas musculares intensas que suelen ser refractarias a la farmacoterapia tradicional se conoce como status distónico o tormenta distónica. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 33 arios, con antecedente de sordera congénita, trastorno por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y tratamiento psicofarmacológico con antipsicóticos, que presentó un cuadro distónico grave que evolucionó a un status distónico.

ABSTRACT Dystonia is a movement disorder characterised by sustained muscle contractions that produce repetitive twisting movements or abnormal postures. It can be classified according to the aetiology as primary (idiopathic and genetic forms), or secondary. The presentation associated with generalised, intense episodes and with exacerbation of severe muscle contractures and usually refractory to traditional pharmacotherapy is known as dystonic status or dystonic storm. In the present article, a case is presented of a 33-year-old patient with a history of congenital deafness, stimulant use disorder and on psychopharmacological treatment with antipsychotics, who presented with a severe dystonic reaction that evolved to a status dystonicus.

Consumo de psicoestimulantes por estudantes de medicina de uma universidade do extremo sul do Brasil: resultados de um estudo de painel / Consumption of psychostimulants by medical students at a university in southern Brazil: results of a panel study

Objetivo: analisar a evolução do consumo de psicoestimulantes pelos acadêmicos de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) durante quatro anos. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo de painel com amostra de estudantes do primeiro ao quarto ano do curso de medicina, matriculados na instituição no período de 2015 a 2018. O estudo teve como desfecho o consumo de psicoestimulantes. Foram coletadas informações sobre o uso de cafeína, metilfenidato, piracetam, modafinil, bebidas energéticas, metilenodioximetanfetamina (ecstasy) e anfetaminas. O questionário foi composto de duas etapas. Na primeira, foram recolhidas informações demográficas, sobre hábitos e qualidade de vida. Na segunda, questionou-se sobre o consumo de substâncias estimulantes, abordando a frequência de uso, efeitos percebidos e a motivação para o consumo, assim como o início do consumo durante o curso. Resultados: a prevalência de uso dessas substâncias aumentou de 58% para 68% de 2015 a 2018. A proporção de acadêmicos que começaram a usar psicoestimulantes durante a faculdade, aumentou de 15% para 30%. Essa proporção aumentou conforme o ano do curso, passando de 25% no primeiro ano para 38% no quarto ano. Esse resultado foi atribuído, principalmente, ao uso de metilfenidato, cuja prevalência aumentou de 21% para 56% durante o período do estudo. Conclusões: o consumo de psicoestimulantes entre estudantes de medicina foi alto e o início de seu consumo durante a faculdade aumentou ao longo dos anos. Seu uso tem sido percebido como eficaz pela maioria dos usuários, o que pode dificultar o gerenciamento do uso indevido dessas substâncias.

Aims: To analyze the evolution of psychostimulants consumption by medical students of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) during the period of four years. Methods: This was a panel study conducted with a sample of students from first to fourth year of medical training, enrolled on the institution on the period between 2015 and 2018. The main outcome of this investigation was the use of psychostimulants. We collected information about the consumption of caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil, piracetam, energetic drinks, amphetamines and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy). The questionnaire was composed by two sections. First, information about socioeconomic and demographic variables, daily habits and quality of life were collected. In the second part, participants were asked about use of stimulant substances, frequency of its use, perceived effects, their motivation for consumption, as well as the beginning of consumption during the course. Results: Prevalence of use of these substances have increased from 58% to 68% between 2015 and 2018. Proportion of students that had started to use psychostimulants during college increased from 15% to 30% in this period. That proportion increased according to the year of graduation, passing from 25% on the first year to 38% on the fourth year. This result may be attributed mostly to the use of methylphenidate, whose prevalence increased from 21% to 56% during the period of the study. Conclusions: The consumption of psychostimulants among medical students was high, and the beginning of its consumption during college has increased over the years. Its use has been perceived as effective by most users, which may hamper the management of the misuse of these substances.

Efectos adversos a nivel cardiovascular y neurológico asociados al consumo de modafinilo / Adverse effects at the cardiovascular and neurological level associated with the consumption of modafinil

Resumen Introducción: el modafinilo es un fármaco neuroestimulante utilizado principalmente para promover estados de vigilia atención y disminuir la fatiga ante ciertos comportamientos que propician la somnolencia diurna excesiva. Objetivo: identificar en la literatura científica los efectos adversos neurológicos y cardiovasculares causados por el consumo del modafinilo. Materiales y Métodos: revisión bibliográfica de los artículos encontrados entre los meses de abril y julio de 2019 en las bases de datos PUBMED, SCOPUS, DIALNET. 51 artículos superaron la evaluación de calidad metodológica y se incluyeron en la revisión. Resultados: se identificaron que los principales efectos adversos a nivel cardiovascular son la cardiomiopatía Tako-Tsubo y la taquicardia ventricular polimórfica, mientras que a nivel neurológico puede generar insomnio y distonías. Conclusiones: El consumo del modafinilo genera repercusiones en las funciones cognitivas y cardiovasculares por lo cual no es aconsejable su uso a largo plazo en personas sanas. MÉD. UIS.2020;33(1):31-8.

Abstract Introduction: modafinil is a neurostimulant drug used mainly to promote wakefulness, attention and decrease fatigue in certain behaviors that cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Objective: identify in the scientific literature the neurological and cardiovascular adverse effects caused by the consumption of modafinil. Materials and Methods: bibliographic review of the articles found between the months of April and July of 2019 in the PUBMED, SCOPUS, DIALNET databases. 51 articles passed the methodological quality assessment and were included in the review. Results: the main adverse effects at the cardiovascular level were identified as Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, while at the neurological level it can generate insomnia and dystonia. Conclusions: the consumption of modafinil generates repercussions on cognitive and cardiovascular functions, so its long-term use in healthy people is not advisable. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):31-8.

Tricotilomanía de nueva aparición durante el tratamiento con fármacos estimulantes. A propósito de dos casos clínicos pediátricos / New-onset trichotillomania during treatment with stimulant drugs. About two pediatric clinical cases

Los fármacos estimulantes se usan, habitualmente, en la población pediátrica para tratar el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, y sus efectos secundarios están bien descritos. Sin embargo, la tricotilomanía no aparece como uno de ellos. En la literatura, hay algunos casos publicados de tricotilomanía en relación con la administración de metilfenidato y dextroanfetamina. Se presentan dos casos de tricotilomanía de nueva aparición en niños en seguimiento en nuestro Centro por déficit de atención e hiperactividad y en tratamiento con fármacos psicoestimulantes (metilfenidato y lisdexanfetamina), como probable efecto adverso de estos.

Stimulant drugs are commonly used in pediatric population in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and their side effects are well described, however trichotillomania does not appear as one of them. In the literature we found some published cases of trichotillomania in relation to methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. We present two cases of new-onset trichotillomania in children followed up in our center by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and treated with psychostimulant drugs (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine), as a probable adverse effect of this treatment

Prevalence of and factors associated with the use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement among university students / Prevalência e fatores associados ao uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento farmacológico entre estudantes universitários

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with the use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement among undergraduate students. Methods Simple random sample of students of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (n=438), invited to answer an online questionnaire about the use of methylphenidate. Data collection occurred from September 2014 to January 2015. The sample was described by means of proportions, means and standard deviations. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Classification and Regression Tree algorithm to classify the cases of use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement in groups, based on the exposure variables. Results Out of 378 students included, 5.8% (n=22) reported using methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement; in that, 41% (9/22) in the 4 weeks prior to the survey. The housing situation was the variable most often associated with the use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement. Eleven students reported using methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement and other purposes 4 weeks prior to the survey, 27% of whom had no medical prescription to purchase it. Conclusion The use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement is frequent among Brazilian undergraduate students and should be considered a serious public health problem, especially due to risks of harm and adverse effects associated with its use.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento entre estudantes universitários. Métodos Amostra aleatória simples de discentes da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (n=438), convidados a responder um questionário online sobre o consumo de metilfenidato. A coleta ocorreu de setembro de 2014 a janeiro de 2015. A amostra foi descrita em termos de proporções, médias e desvio padrão. A análise multivariada foi realizada utilizando o algoritmo Classification and Regression Tree para classificação dos casos de uso do metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento em grupos, com base nas variáveis de exposição. Resultados Dos 378 alunos incluídos, 5,8% (n=22) declararam ter feito uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento, sendo 41% (9/22) nas 4 semanas anteriores à pesquisa. A situação da moradia foi a variável mais associada ao uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento. Relataram o uso do metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento e outros fins nas 4 semanas anteriores à pesquisa 11 estudantes, sendo que 27% não apresentaram prescrição médica para adquiri-lo. Conclusão O uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento ocorre no meio acadêmico brasileiro e deve ser considerado sério problema de saúde pública, principalmente diante dos riscos de danos e efeitos adversos associados ao seu uso.

Strategies against sleep deprivation in military personnel: Recent progress / 第二军医大学学报

Modern military actions and non-military operations characterized by high-intensity, sudden emergencies and long continuous working inevitably lead to sleep deprivation of military personnel. High-intensity actions require military personnel to maintain excellent action abilities all the times; sudden emergencies need them to maintain alert; and the continuous work need them to maintain a healthy mental state. Therefore, how to effectively combat sleep deprivation, keep alert and have high stress ability have become the focus of modern military medical research. This article reviews the research progress of central nervous system stimulants, preventive sleep medications, sleep induction and rapid recovery drugs, and non-drug measures to combat sleep deprivation.

Consumo de Estimulantes Cerebrais por Estudantes de Medicina de uma Universidade do Extremo Sul do Brasil: Prevalência, Motivação e Efeitos Percebidos / The Consumption of Brain Stimulants by Medical Students at a University in Southern Brazil: Prevalence, Motivation, and Perceived Effects

RESUMO Introdução Substâncias psicoestimulantes são aquelas com capacidade de aumentar o estado de alerta e a motivação, além de possuírem propriedades antidepressivas, de melhora no humor e no desempenho cognitivo. Por esse motivo, muitos estudantes fazem consumo indiscriminado dessas substâncias. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o uso de substâncias estimulantes do sistema nervoso central pelos estudantes de graduação em Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande – Furg (RS), verificando as substâncias mais utilizadas, os motivos de uso e o perfil dos usuários. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo observacional do tipo transversal com 200 estudantes de graduação em Medicina da Furg, matriculados nessa instituição no segundo semestre de 2015. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário padronizado e de autopreenchimento, com questões demográficas, comportamentais e sobre o uso de estimulantes. Foram coletadas informações acerca do consumo de cafeína, metilfenidato (Ritalina®), modafinil, piracetam, bebidas energéticas, anfetaminas e MDMA (ecstasy). Os dados foram analisados pelo teste exato de Fisher no pacote estatístico Stata 11.2. Resultados A prevalência de uso de substâncias estimulantes na vida foi de 57,5% (IC95% 50,9 a 64,4), sendo que 51,3% destes começaram a usá-las durante a faculdade. O uso de psicoestimulantes no momento da pesquisa teve prevalência de 52,3% (IC95% 45,3 a 59,3), valendo destacar que 16,6% dos estudantes consumiam mais de uma substância psicoestimulante. As substâncias mais consumidas foram bebidas energéticas (38,0%) e cafeína mais de cinco vezes por semana (27,0%). O consumo de estimulantes foi maior entre os estudantes das séries iniciais do curso. Os principais motivos alegados para o consumo de estimulantes foram compensar a privação de sono (47,4%) e melhorar raciocínio, atenção e/ou memória (31,6%). Em relação aos efeitos percebidos com o uso de estimulantes, 81,2% relataram redução do sono, 70,8% perceberam melhora na concentração, 58,0%, 56,1% e 54,0% reportaram, respectivamente, redução da fadiga, melhora no raciocínio e melhora do bem-estar. Conclusões O consumo de estimulantes entre os estudantes de Medicina foi elevado. Mais da metade dos estudantes relataram consumir psicoestimulantes, e um em cada três destes usou para melhorar o desempenho cognitivo. O uso dessas substâncias foi considerado eficaz pela maioria dos usuários, o que pode dificultar o combate a esse consumo.

ABSTRACT Introduction Psychostimulants are substances with the capacity to heighten alertness and motivation, also featuring antidepressant proprieties improving mood and cognitive performance. For this reason, many students use these substances indiscriminately. The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of substances stimulating the central nervous system by medical students at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (Furg), Brazil, verifying the most commonly used substances, the reason for use, and the user’s profile. Methods A quantitative, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 of Furg’s medical students enrolled at the institution in the second semester of 2015. Data collection was conducted by means of a standardized and auto-fill questionnaire, featuring questions on demographics, behavior and stimulant use. Information about the consumption of caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil, piracetam, energy drinks, amphetamines, and MDMA was collected, with the results analyzed by means of the Fisher’s exact test on statistics program Stata 11.2. Results The prevalence of stimulant substance usage at some point in the students’ lives was 57.5% (95% CI 50.9 to 64.4), with 51.3% having started during college. Usage of psycho stimulants at the time of the research was 52.3% (95% CI 45.3 to 59.3), with 16.6% of the students consuming more than one psycho stimulant substance. The most popular substances were energy drinks (38%) and caffeine, consumed more than five times a week (27%). The consumption of stimulants was higher among students in the earlier stages of the degree. The main reasons given by the students were to compensate for sleep deprivation (47.7%) and to improve reasoning, attention, and/or memory (31.6%). Perceived effects of the stimulant use saw 81.2% reporting sleep reduction, 70.8% concentration improvement, 58.0% fatigue reduction, 56.1% improved reasoning abilities, and 54.0% heightened wellbeing. Conclusions Stimulant consumption among medical students was high. More than half of the students reported consuming psycho stimulants and one in three of them used them to improve cognitive performance. The use of these substances was considered effective by most of the users, which may hamper the fight against these substances.

Prescription Trends of Psychotropics in Children and Adolescents with Autism Based on Nationwide Health Insurance Data

Children with autism are often medicated to manage emotional and behavioral symptoms; yet, data on such pharmacotherapy is insufficient. In this study, we investigated the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database (NHICD) information related to autism incidence and psychotropic medication use. From the 2010–2012 NHICD, we selected a total of 31,919,732 subjects under 19 years old. To examine the diagnostic incidence, we selected patients who had at least one medical claim containing an 10th revision of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) code for pervasive developmental disorder, F84, not diagnosed in the previous 360 days. Psychotropics were categorized into seven classes. Then, we analyzed the data to determine the mean annual diagnostic incidence and psychotropic prescription trends. Diagnostic incidence was 17,606 for the 3 years, with a mean annual incidence per 10,000 population of 5.52. Among them, 5,348 patients were prescribed psychotropics. Atypical antipsychotics were the most commonly used, followed by antidepressants. An older age, male sex, and the availability of medical aid were associated with a higher rate of prescription than observed for a younger age, female sex, and the availability of health insurance. Psychotropic drugs were used for less than one-third of patients newly diagnosed with autism, and prescription differed by sex and age. Increased diagnostic incidence is associated with an increased prescription of psychotropic drugs. Therefore, medication-related safety data and policies for psychotropic drugs in autism should be prepared.

Calidad del sueño y consumo de inhibidores del sueño en estudiantes de medicina / Sleep quality and sleep inhibitors consumption in medical students

Introducción: Los desórdenes del sueño son un problema creciente en las sociedades occi-dentales afectando el rendimiento diurno, tanto en el ámbito académico como laboral. Ade-más en los últimos años, el consumo de inhibidores del sueño por estudiantes universita-rios ha ido en aumento. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la calidad del sueño en los estudiantes de medicina de Universidad San Sebastián, junto con determinar la prevalencia de trastornos del sueño y consumo de psicoestimulantes en esta población. Material y Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal en 65 estudiantes de medicina de tercer año durante el año 2012. Se midió el índice de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh, junto con las horas de sueño y la frecuencia consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en el último mes. Resultados: Un 83% de los sujetos fueron definidos como malos dormidores, con disfunción leve del sueño. Un 53,8% de los estudiantes duermen menos de 6 horas diarias en promedio. Se consignó que un 41,5% consumió fármacos psicoestimulantes y/o bebidas energéticas en el último mes y su prevalencia de consumo fue mayor en malos dormidores. Un 64,6% consumió al menos una taza de café diaria, este consumo prevalece más en los malos dormidores que en los buenos dormidores. Un 27,7% de los sujetos refirió consumir al menos un cigarrillo al día. Discusión: Se observó una alta prevalencia de mala calidad del sueño y también en el consumo de psicoestimulantes que podrían afectar el buen dormir, teniendo consecuencias para el desempeño diario y la salud de estos estudiantes.

Introduction: Sleep disorders are an increasing health problem in occidental societies, affecting daytime functioning both the academic area such as labor. The consumption of Sleep inhibitors by university students has increased. The objective is to know about sleep quality in medical students of San Sebastian's University and determine the prevalence of sleep disorders and psychostimulant use in this population. Material and method: Cross-sectional study. Study group: 65 third year medical students 2012 of San Sebastian's University. It was measured Pittsburgh ́s Sleep Quality Index, sleeping hours, psychoactive substances consumption in the last month. Results: 83% of the subjects were defined as poor sleepers, with mild sleep dysfunction. 53.8% of the students sleep less than 6 hours per day on average. 41.5% consumed psychostimulants and/or energy drinks and the consumption prevalence was higher in poor sleepers. 64.6% consumed at least one cup of coffee a day, consumption is more prevalent in poor sleepers than in good sleepers. 27.7% of subjects reported consuming at least one cigarette a day. Discussion: A very high prevalence of poor sleep quality and consumption of psychoestimulants was observed, this could affect the sleep quality, having consequences for daily performance and health of these students.

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder: a therapeutic option / Transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade: uma vertente terapêutica

Objective To evaluate the use of a therapeutic regimen to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients. Methods A total of 140 patients initially underwent physical, neurological and laboratory evaluation. Thereafter, treatment was initiated with a compounding product consisting of a tricyclic antidepressant and an anxiolytic. Results The response was positive in 71.43% of patients in controlling hyperactivity and improving dispersion and attention deficit. Conclusion The therapeutic regimen utilized proved to be an effective therapeutic alternative, especially for patients who do not adapt to psychostimulant drugs. .

Objetivo Avaliar a aplicação de um esquema terapêutico para o tratamento do transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade. Métodos Os 140 pacientes foram submetidos inicialmente à avaliação clínico-neurológica e laboratorial. Posteriormente, foi iniciado um tratamento com medicamento formulado composto por um antidepressivo tricíclico e um ansiolítico. Resultados A resposta foi positiva em 71,43% dos pacientes no controle da hiperatividade e na melhoria do quadro de dispersão e desatenção. Conclusão O esquema terapêutico aplicado se mostrou uma alternativa terapêutica eficaz, especialmente para os pacientes que não se adaptam aos medicamentos psicoestimulantes. .

Consumption of Central Nervous System Stimulants among Medical and Nursing Students at a Chilean University / Reflexo do consumo de estimulantes no sistema nervoso central nos estudantes de enfermagem e medicina de uma universidade chilena / Consumo de estimulantes del sistema nervioso central en estudiantes de enfermería y medicina de una universidad chilena

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychostimulant consumption among medical and nursing students at a Chilean university, the personal characteristics and motivations for the use of these substances. This is a descriptive, transversal research with a quantitative approach. The sample was comprised of 92 students. Data collection occurred in 2011 through structured research. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. The students were young, and 35% of them had previously consumed psycho stimulants. The main motivator was the pursuit of pleasure; need to stay awake, and to study. The difference in consumption between the genders was negligible. Research in this area is important to characterize the substance users, to monitor consumption patterns and develop strategies...

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de consumo de psicoestimulantes, em estudantes de enfermagem e medicina, numa universidade chilena, e as características pessoais e motivações para o consumo dessas substâncias. Esta pesquisa é descritiva, transversal e com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram 92 estudantes. A obtenção dos dados ocorreu em 2011, mediante pesquisa estruturada. Foi utilizada estatística descritiva para análise dos dados. Os estudantes eram jovens e 35% já tinham consumido psicoestimulantes. As principais motivações para o consumo foram prazer, a necessidade de não dormir e estudar. Foi observada pouca diferença no consumo entre essas motivações. Pesquisas dessa natureza são importantes para caracterizar as pessoas que usam substâncias, monitorar os padrões de consumo e poder projetar estratégias...

El estudio objetivó determinar la prevalencia de consumo de psicoestimulantes, en estudiantes de enfermería y medicina de una universidad chilena, las características personales y motivaciones para lo consumo de estas sustancias. Esta investigación es descriptiva, transversal y con abordaje cuantitativo. Participaran 92 estudiantes. La obtención de los datos se realizó en 2011 mediante encuesta estructurada. Fue utilizada estadística descriptiva para análisis de los datos. Los estudiantes eran jóvenes y 35% ya habían consumido psicoestimulantes. Las principales motivaciones para lo consumo fueran placer, la necesidad de no dormir y estudiar. Fue observada poca diferencia en el consumo entre géneros. Investigaciones de esta naturaleza son importantes para caracterizar las personas que usan substancias, monitorear los padrones del consumo y poder proyectar estrategias...

Pychotropic drugs for sleep regulation and anti-fatigue in aircrew members during wartime / 第二军医大学学报

In modern war, psychotropic drugs, including central stimulants and central depressants, have profound influence on the mental states of soldiers. This paper reviews the pharmacokinetics, pharmacological mechanisms and efficacy of psychotropic drugs: and also introduces the application of psychotropic drugs for sleep regulation and anti-fatigue in aircrew members during Iraqi war, South Atlantic Campaign, Libyan Air Strike and Gulf War. Suggestions are given on proper use of psychotropic drugs in wartime.