Psychosexual dysfunction in male patients with cannabis dependence and synthetic cannabinoid dependence.

OBJECTIVE: There are contradicting reports regarding the relationship between cannabis use and male sexual functions with almost no data about synthetic cannabinoids (SC) and its effect on male sexual functions. This study investigates psychological concerns related to male sexual functions among cannabis and SC users. The research aims to assess different sexual functions and aspects of sexual psychopathology in cannabis and SCs dependent men compared to controls. METHOD: Thirty male patients with cannabis dependence, thirty male patients with SCs dependence and thirty matched controls from the outpatient clinic of Kasr Al Ainy hospital, Egypt, were assessed using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Sexuality scale. RESULTS: The means of IIEF questionnaire in the cannabis and SC group were significant lower than the means of the control group (P < .001) except the orgasmic function in cannabis group (P = .052). In the SCs group, sexual depression was higher and preoccupation lower than the cannabis (P < .020; P < .003, respectively) and control groups (P < .001; P < .001, respectively). The duration and dose of intake of cannabis and SCs correlated significant with sexual esteem, sexual preoccupation and all domains of IIEF. CONCLUSION: Cannabis and SC dependence were associated with lower erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction, and lower orgasmic functions in the SC group than controls. Both groups showed higher sexual depression, lower sexual esteem and sexual preoccupation than controls. SC has a higher negative impact on male sexual functions and psychopathology than cannabis.

Emotional and behavioral problems among male Saudi schoolchildren and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of the prevalence rate of emotional or behavioral problems, or both, among male Saudi schoolchildren and identifying the possible risk factors behind these problems. METHODS: The study was conducted from March-May, 2003 and included all male schoolchildren of Al-Abnae schools specialized for the sons of the employees of the Saudi Ministry of Defense (military and civilians) in Taif Governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (total number 1416 students). It was conducted through 2 phases: A screening phase (using the Child Behavior Checklist "Parent`s form") for all schoolchildren and adolescents included in the study through a cross-sectional approach to assess their emotional and behavioral problems, and a case-control phase to study risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 1313 male schoolchildren that participated in the study, 109 (8.3%) were emotionally or behaviorally disturbed students. Among studied sociodemographic variables, only educational level (intermediate versus primary) and mother`s occupation (working versus non working) was associated with a higher risk of developing emotional or behavioral disturbance. Unwanted pregnancy (odds ratio [OR]=4.77, confidence interval [CI] 3.68-5.86), history of meningitis (OR=7.50, CI 5.12-9.88), history of accidents (OR=4.07, CI 2.87-5.26) and those with history of bronchial asthma (OR=2.96, CI 2.16-3.76) had an increased risk of emotional or behavioral disturbance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of behavioral and emotional disturbance according to parent`s reports is lower than that reported in other countries. Several risk factors including child, familial, and environmental risk factors play an important role in the genesis of emotional and behavioral problems in schoolchildren. Mental health problems can be recognized and treated; caring families and communities working together can help.