Psychoactive substance use in patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an exploratory study.

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was originally treated as a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mainly in children and tends to diminish or disappear with age, but we now know that symptoms persist into adulthood in over 50% of ADHD patients. Undiagnosed individuals often turn to psychoactive substance to minimize the negative aspects of functioning and improve quality of life. Methods: The study was conducted online using random sampling through a Facebook group administered by physicians and targeted to patients diagnosed with ADHD. The study was naturalistic and exploratory, therefore no hypothesis was made. 438 correctly completed questionnaires were received. Analysis of the results showed that people with ADHD turn to psychoactive substances relatively frequently. Results: The most commonly used stimulants include alcohol, marijuana, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), amphetamine/methamphetamine, and psilocybin. In the study population, methylphenidate is the most commonly used drug among patients. After treatment with psychostimulants, the majority of respondents note a decrease in symptoms of hyperactivity disorder, especially in male patients. Conclusion: It is necessary to perform proper diagnostics and actively look for ADHD symptoms in patients who tend to use psychoactive substances.

The Key Role of a Psychoactive Substance Use History in Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive substances have toxic effects resulting different cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular organ damage. Through a variety of mechanisms, they can trigger the onset of various forms of cardiovascular disease: acute or chronic, transient or permanent, subclinical or symptomatic. Hence, a thorough knowledge of the patient's drug habits is essential for a more complete clinical-etiopathogenetic diagnosis and consequent therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitative management. SUMMARY: The prime reason for taking a psychoactive substance use history in the cardiovascular context is to identify those people who use substances (whether habitual or occasional users, symptomatic or not) and adequately assess their overall cardiovascular risk profile in terms of "user status" and type of substance(s) used. A psychoactive substance history could also alert the physician to suspect, and eventually diagnose, cardiovascular disease related to the intake of psychoactive substances, so optimizing the medical management of users. This anamnesis could finally assess the likelihood of patients persisting in the habit as a user or relapse, while maintaining high their cardiovascular risk profile. Taking such a history should be mandatory when a causal connection is suspected between intake of psychoactive substances and the observed symptoms or pathology, regardless of whether the individual is a declared user or not. KEY MESSAGES: The purpose of this article was to provide practical information on when, how, and why to perform a psychoactive substance use history.

Dental Caries and Oral Health Status of Psychoactive Substance Abusers.

Substance-abuse disorders are universally associated with comorbid illness. Tobacco is a widely abused substance across the globe and presents a critical public health problem. The precise correlation between tobacco use and dental caries remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between tobacco use and dental caries. METHODOLOGY: Based on selection criteria, a total of 270 (age 20-50 years) participants were included in the study, and were categorized as group A (n = 135), consisting of tobacco users, and group B (n = 135), comprising healthy controls (non-users). The Decayed, Missing, and Filled index (DMFT) was used to measure caries status. The Simplified Oral Hygiene index was used to evaluate oral health. RESULTS: The tobacco group reported the use of cigarettes; smokeless tobacco in indigenous forms, such as gutka (areca nut, tobacco, and slaked lime), betel nut chewing; and a combination. Individuals with tobacco habits had a higher prevalence of dental caries (Mean DMFT 4.73 ± 4.32) compared to the non-habit group (Mean DMFT 3.17 ± 3.11 (p = 0.001). The Oral Hygiene index was significantly higher (indicating bad/poor oral hygiene) in tobacco abusers than those of non-users (p = 0.0001). Duration and frequency of tobacco use were correlated with the levels of moderate and severe caries (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Psychoactive substance abuse, such as smoking/smokeless tobacco consumption, is associated with higher prevalence of dental caries.

Use Of Psychoactive Drugs Among Medical Undergraduates In Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive substance abuse is prevalent among medical undergraduates of Pakistan, India & Western countries which can adversely affect the physical & psychological grooming of a medical undergraduate thus threatening to compromise their role as future physicians & health-care providers in the society. The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of psychoactive substance/drug consumption among undergraduate students of a public sector medical college in Abbottabad. METHODS: Seven hundred and eighty participants after informed consent were requested to fill a questionnaire seeking information about their demographics, patterns & behaviours regarding ten common psychoactive substances of abuse including (Cigarettes, Benzodiazepines, naswar, cannabis, alcohol, amphetamine, opium, cocaine, heroin & organic solvents). RESULTS: Overall students who responded were 698 (89.48%). One hundred and fifty (21.49%) admitted to the use of a psychoactive substance in past or at present. Majority users (71.33%) were males. Overall (81.33%) users were living in hostel or a rented apartment. Substance abuse was more prevalent among senior students, i.e., 30.06% & 24.24% in 4th year & final year MBBS respectively. Majority of the consumers, i.e., 93 (62%) were falling in an age group between 15-20 years. Main reasons behind substance abuse were: psychological stress (49.33%) and pleasure seeking (42.67%). Substances/drugs used by students in order of preference were Cigarettes 115 (76.67%), Benzodiazepines 48 (32%), naswar 42 (28%), Cannabis 41 (27.33%), Alcohol 24 (16%), Amphetamine 22 (14.67%), Opium 15 (10%), Cocaine 14 (9.33%), Heroin 11 (7.33%) & Organic solvents 05 (3.33%). Use of more than one substance was observed in 70 (46.67%) students. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that prevalence of cigarette smoking, naswar, benzodiazepines, cannabis & alcohol is high among medical undergraduates in Abbottabad which is a matter of concern. Efforts are needed to create better awareness among them about the hazards of substance abuse on their health, upcoming professional career and ailing humanity under their care.

Padrão de funcionamento familiar e dependência de substâncias psicoativas: um estudo bibliográfico / Family working standard anddependence of psychoactive substances: a bibliographical study

As relações entre grupo familiar e uso de substâncias psicoativas têm sido investigadas ao longo dos anos, uma vez que a família é tida como o primeiro grupo social do ser humano, no qual seus membros projetam seus impulsos, fantasias, e é nesse grupo em que se podem encontrar tanto fatores relacionados à patologia quanto protetores da saúde psíquica de seus membros. O objetivo desse estudo foi o de levantar a produção científica a respeito da relação entre padrão de funcionamento familiar e o uso e abuso de substâncias psicoativas. A revisão abrangeu o período de 1990 a 2014, consultando-se as bases dedados Sielo, Lilacs, IndexPsi e Sof, com a utilização dos descritores: padrão familiar, uso, abuso e substâncias psicoativas. Os resultados foram agrupados e distribuídos em três grandes categorias de análise: Disfunções de vínculo familiar; Funcionamento Familiar Psicotóxico; Funcionamento e estrutura familiares rígidos. Essas categorias foram subdivididas, para melhor descrição dos achados, em mais quatro sub-categorias: Vínculo familiar disfuncional e conflitos entre gerações; Vínculo marital disfuncional; padrões educacionais rígidos e punitivos com os filhos; Famílias psicotóxicas. Os estudos revelaram que mesmo sob diversas perspectivas de compreensão e análise, os vínculos estabelecidos são o principal fenômeno a ser considerado. (AU)

The relationships between family group and use of psychoactive substances have been investigated over the years, since the family is considered as the first social group of the human being, in which its members project their impulses, fantasies, and it is in this group that one can find both factors related to the pathology and protectors of the psychic health of its members. The objective of this study was tomake a survey of the scientific production regarding the relationship between family functioning patterns and the use and abuse of psychoactive substances. The review covered the period from 1990 to 2014, referring to the databases Sielo, Lilacs, IndexPsi and Sof and using the descriptors: family functioning patterns, use, abuse and psychoactive substances. The results were grouped and distributed into three broad categories of analysis: family bond dysfunctions; Psychotoxic Family Functioning; Rigid family functioning. These categories weresubdivided, in order to better describe the findings, in four other sub--categories: Dysfunctional family bond and intergenerational conflicts; Dysfunctional marital attachment; Rigid and punitive educational standards with children; Psychotoxic families. The studies revealed that even from diverse perspectives of understanding and analysis, the established family bonds are the main phenomenon to be considered. (AU)

Fatores de risco que podem induzir o uso de drogas por estudantes de uma universidade pública / Risk factors that may signify a propensity to the use of drugs in students at a public university

INTRODUCTION: We sought to evaluate the risk factors that may increase the propensity to use licit and illicit drugs among students at a public university. METHODS: The project involved students (n = 268) enrolled in the first and fourth years of courses in the areas of the social and biological sciences at a public university. Data collection was conducted by means of self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires, based on such standardized assessment instruments as Audit, Assist, Cage and Duse. Collected data were analyzed quantitatively by calculating the percentages and evaluating the data in terms of categories of risk, classifying them by age, gender, religion, schooling, use (before or after entering university) and contexts of use. By means of this survey the researchers were able to correlate the use of drugs to the risk factors that might increase the students' propensity to use these substances. RESULTS: The results revealed a high proportion of current drug-using students, but showed no significant differences between the first and fourth year students as regards contexts of use. However, 67% of students regarded the university environment as encouraging the use of drugs. Students pointed to such major risk factors as friends' and fellow-students' influence, university parties, excessive curiosity and desire to experiment. CONCLUSION: Due to the high rate of drug use among university students, by the determination of the risk factors related to the university environment and also knowing that the process of addiction is one of growing chemical dependence, the importance of the development and implementation of public health policies at all levels, especially in terms of approaches and specific interventions addressing this population, should be noted...

OBJETIVO: Buscou-se avaliar os fatores de risco que podem induzir o uso de drogas lícitas e ilícitas por estudantes de uma universidade pública. MÉTODO: o projeto os alunos envolvidos (n = 268) matriculados no primeiro e quarto anos de cursos nas áreas das ciências sociais e biológicas de uma universidade pública. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de questionário semiestruturado e de autopreenchimento, com base em tais instrumentos de avaliação padronizados como Audit, Assist, Cage e Duse. Os dados coletados foram analisados quantitativamente por meio do cálculo das percentagens e avaliar os dados em termos de categorias de risco, classificando-os por idade, sexo, religião, escolaridade, uso (antes ou depois de entrar na universidade) e contextos de uso. Por meio deste estudo os pesquisadores foram capazes de correlacionar o uso de drogas para os fatores de risco que podem aumentar a propensão dos alunos a usar essas substâncias. RESULTADOS: Os resultados revelaram alto índice no número de alunos que atualmente usam drogas, porém não apontaram diferenças significativas entre alunos de 1º ano e 4º anos em relação às situações de uso. No entanto, 67% dos alunos consideraram o ambiente universitário como estimulante ao uso de drogas. Foram apontados como fatores de risco: influência de amigos e colegas de universidade, festas universitárias, a curiosidade e alegria. CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao alto índice do uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários e aos fatores de riscos que influenciam o uso estarem relacionado ao ambiente universitário, nota-se a importância de uma atenção voltada a esta população, pois sabe-se que a dependência química é um processo de instalação gradativa. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de intervenções específicas para esta população através da implantação de programas de prevenção, conscientização e de tratamento...

Fatores de risco que podem induzir o uso de drogas por estudantes de uma universidade pública / Risk factors that may signify a propensity to the use of drugs in students at a public university

INTRODUCTION: We sought to evaluate the risk factors that may increase the propensity to use licit and illicit drugs among students at a public university. METHODS: The project involved students (n = 268) enrolled in the first and fourth years of courses in the areas of the social and biological sciences at a public university. Data collection was conducted by means of self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires, based on such standardized assessment instruments as Audit, Assist, Cage and Duse. Collected data were analyzed quantitatively by calculating the percentages and evaluating the data in terms of categories of risk, classifying them by age, gender, religion, schooling, use (before or after entering university) and contexts of use. By means of this survey the researchers were able to correlate the use of drugs to the risk factors that might increase the students' propensity to use these substances. RESULTS: The results revealed a high proportion of current drug-using students, but showed no significant differences between the first and fourth year students as regards contexts of use. However, 67% of students regarded the university environment as encouraging the use of drugs. Students pointed to such major risk factors as friends' and fellow-students' influence, university parties, excessive curiosity and desire to experiment. CONCLUSION: Due to the high rate of drug use among university students, by the determination of the risk factors related to the university environment and also knowing that the process of addiction is one of growing chemical dependence, the importance of the development and implementation of public health policies at all levels, especially in terms of approaches and specific interventions addressing this population, should be noted...(AU)

OBJETIVO: Buscou-se avaliar os fatores de risco que podem induzir o uso de drogas lícitas e ilícitas por estudantes de uma universidade pública. MÉTODO: o projeto os alunos envolvidos (n = 268) matriculados no primeiro e quarto anos de cursos nas áreas das ciências sociais e biológicas de uma universidade pública. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de questionário semiestruturado e de autopreenchimento, com base em tais instrumentos de avaliação padronizados como Audit, Assist, Cage e Duse. Os dados coletados foram analisados quantitativamente por meio do cálculo das percentagens e avaliar os dados em termos de categorias de risco, classificando-os por idade, sexo, religião, escolaridade, uso (antes ou depois de entrar na universidade) e contextos de uso. Por meio deste estudo os pesquisadores foram capazes de correlacionar o uso de drogas para os fatores de risco que podem aumentar a propensão dos alunos a usar essas substâncias. RESULTADOS: Os resultados revelaram alto índice no número de alunos que atualmente usam drogas, porém não apontaram diferenças significativas entre alunos de 1º ano e 4º anos em relação às situações de uso. No entanto, 67% dos alunos consideraram o ambiente universitário como estimulante ao uso de drogas. Foram apontados como fatores de risco: influência de amigos e colegas de universidade, festas universitárias, a curiosidade e alegria. CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao alto índice do uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários e aos fatores de riscos que influenciam o uso estarem relacionado ao ambiente universitário, nota-se a importância de uma atenção voltada a esta população, pois sabe-se que a dependência química é um processo de instalação gradativa. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de intervenções específicas para esta população através da implantação de programas de prevenção, conscientização e de tratamento...(AU)