bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of cannabis consumption on the course of bipolar disorder
Authors: Brahim S. , Aoun M.H. , Boukhchina R. , Frej S. Ben , Henia M. , Zarrouk L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAlthough one third of patients with Bipolar Disorder have an addiction to Cannabis or an abused consumption, the interaction between cannabis use and bipolar disorder remains controversial.ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of cannabis among patients with Bipolar Disorder and to compare the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who are consumers and non-consumers.MethodsThis is a retrospective, descriptive study including all patients treated for type I bipolar disorder in the psychiatric department of Tahar Sfar Hospital of Mahdia (Tunisia). In addition to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, we collected data on cannabis use (age at first consumption and frequency of consumption).ResultsOur study population consisted of 84 male patients followed for bipolar I disorder. The mean age was 36.8 ± 11.3 years. Among these patients, 23 (27.8%) had regular cannabis use. The average age at first consumption was 21.6 ± 7.2 years. Bipolar patients with regular cannabis consumption had an earlier age of onset of the disorder (p = 0.02). They had higher numbers of manic episodes (p = 0.05), higher number of manic episodes with severe intensity (p = 0.04), higher number of manic episodes with mixed characteristics(p = 0.04), a higher number of hospitalizations (p = 0.01) with longer hospital stays (p = 0.02).ConclusionsCannabis use among patients with type 1 bipolar disorder is associated with an unfavorable course of the disorder. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of this comorbidity seem to be essential for improving the prognosis of bipolar disorder.
Polysomnographic parameters as early as one week after detoxification could predict risk of relapse among detoxified opiates misuse patients over six months follow up period
Authors: Rady A. , Mekky J. , Elsheshai A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionProtracted abstinence syndrome represent group of attenuated psyc that lead to a persistant sense of discomfort among misuse patients after detoxification and may last for some months.Poor sleep in terms of duration and quality is one of the major symptoms of protracted abstinence syndromeObjectivesTo assess polysomnography parameters as potential risk for relapse over six monthsMethods60 male patients with heroin misuse according to DSM V have been recruited immediately after detoxification phase, they were not receiving other psychactive substances or medications, polysomnography was done in the second week after detoxification to allow washout of medications used during detoxification and then a monthly sleep assessment through sleep diary and daytime sleepiness using visual analogue scale. Relapse was prooved through urine test.ResultsSample contained 60 male patients with heroin misuse disorder, detoxified successfully with a mean age 35.47±7.32 and addiction severity index total score 3.21±0.22, polysomnography was done to all sample patients one week after detoxification, 20% relapsed by the third month, rising to 30% by the six month. NREM stages I and II, both limb movement and arousal indices showed significant differnce between relapsed and non-relapsed patients.ConclusionsSleep disturbance is common among detoxified heroin misuse patients. Polysomnographic parameters such as percentage of NREM I and I, arousal index and limb mouvement index can potentially predict future relpase over six month follow up period.
A comparison of the existential and medical models of addiction
Authors: Grech G. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAfter developing an existential model of addiction, it became evident that there are major differences between the existential and medical models of addiction.ObjectivesThis research aims to investigate the boundary and overlap between the existential and medical models of addiction.MethodsThe existential model was compared and contrasted with a narrative literature review of the medical model of addiction.ResultsThrough the existential definition being-with-drug, addiction is conceptualised in terms of a relationship with the drug and the impact on one’s sense of self. The medical model focuses on diagnostic criteria, genetic and environmental risk and protective factors, and an underlying neurobiological explanation. In contrast to the prevalent disease model, the existential view maintains that drug addiction is a coping mechanism used to mitigate existential and neurotic anxiety which results from facing or avoiding the existential givens. Phenomenological research supporting existential psychotherapy in addiction is contrasted with the quantitative medical research which forms the basis for current addiction guidelines. A comparison of both models is presented focusing on the issues of coping, choice, responsibility, mandatory treatment, medication, psychotherapy and the therapeutic relationship. The biopsychosocial model is compared to van Deurzen’s modes of existence, which provides the basis for existential psychotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, existential literature was examined to determine whether an individual can authentically choose to live addicted.ConclusionsBoth models fall short of giving a holistic view of addiction. A combination of models is necessary to address the diversity of issues patients present with.
Children with computer game addiction have weakness in sustained attention
Authors: Kiseleva N. , Kiselev S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionVarious digital technologies are increasingly being introduced into the everyday life of children. There are evidences that digital addiction has negative effect on cognitive functions of children. What kind of specific effect does this new “digital environment” have for children?ObjectivesThe goal of this research is to check the hypothesis that 7-year-old children with computer game addiction have weakness in sustained attention.MethodsWe used questionnaire for parents to reveal children with computer game addiction. Experimental group consisted of 28 7-year-old children with computer game addiction. Control group consisted of 28 children without computer game addiction. Children from experimental and control group were matched for gender and IQ. To assess the sustained attention we used subtest from Luria’s child neuropsychological battery. This subtest is designed to assess visual sustained attention.ResultsOne-way ANOVAs by group revealed significant differences (p≤0,05) between the groups in the level of visual sustained attention.ConclusionsIt can be assumed that computer game addiction has negative effect on the development of visual sustained attention in children. However, we need to do additional research to approve this preliminary results.
Impact of body-oriented therapy on executive abilities in children with computer game addiction
Authors: Kiseleva N. , Kiselev S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIt is known that children with computer game addiction have a risk for development of deficit in executive abilities. It is important to develop effective approaches for helping children with this addiction.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to reveal effect of body-oriented therapy on executive abilities in children with computer game addiction. Particularly we compared the efficacy of two methods of treatment (body-oriented therapy for children vs. conventional motor exercises) in a randomized controlled pilot study.Methods16 7-year-old children with computer game addiction were included and randomly assigned to treatment conditions according to a 2×2 cross-over design. The body-oriented therapy included the exercises from yoga and breathing techniques. To assess the executive functions and attention in children we used 5 subtests from NEPSY (Tower, Auditory Attention and Response Set, Visual Attention, Statue, Design Fluency). Effects of treatment were analyzed by means of an ANOVA for repeated measurements.ResultsThe ANOVA has revealed (p<.05) that for all 5 subtests on executive functions and attention the body-oriented therapy was superior to the conventional motor training, with effect sizes in the medium-to-high range (0.42-0.80).ConclusionsThe findings from this pilot study suggest that body-oriented therapy can effectively influence the executive abilities in children with computer game addiction. However, it is necessary to do further research into the impact of body-oriented therapies on children with this addiction.
Relationship between computer game addiction and low mood in children
Authors: Kiseleva N. , Kiselev S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionChildren with computer game addiction have a risk for development of deficit in mental functions. What kind of specific effect does this new “digital environment” have for children?ObjectivesThe goal of this research is to check the hypothesis that there is relationship between computer game addiction and low mood in 8-year-old children.MethodsWe used questionnaire for parents to reveal children with computer game addiction. Experimental group consisted of 24 8-year-old children with computer game addiction. Control group consisted of 24 children without computer game addiction. The children from experimental and control group were matched for gender. We used Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) for assessment of separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and low mood (major depressive disorder) in children (Child Self-Reported).ResultsSpearman correlation analysis has revealed the significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between level of computer game addiction and low mood in children. However, we did not find the correlation between level of computer game addiction and other scales of RCADS.ConclusionsIt can be assumed that digital environment is a risk for increasing low mood in children. However, we need to do additional research using experimental design to approve the hypothesis that computer game addiction can cause the low mood in children.
Impulsivity and compulsivity aggregate in alcohol use disorder and explain comorbidity with impulse-control and related disorders
Authors: Araujo A. , Pereira A.T. , Reis C. , Nascimento L. , Pina C. , Avó J. , Feijão A. , Macedo A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe conceptualization of impulsivity and compulsiveness has fluctuated between two different perspectives: they are (1) distinct and orthogonal dimensions, (2) extreme poles of the same dimension/ spectrum. We favor this latter, accepting that these dimensions contribute to the etiopathogenesis of impulsive-compulsive disorders, namely alcohol use disorder/AUD.ObjectivesTo analyze: Differences of impulsivity and compulsivity levels between AUD patients vs. participants from the community; prevalence of impulsive-compulsive disorders/ICD in AUD; if impulsivity/compulsivity predict the severity of alcohol use and ICD in AUD.Methods32 AUD patients (21% women, mean age 46±10) answered the Portuguese versions of: Alcohol-Use-Disorders-Identification-Test, Questionnaire-for-Impulsive-Compulsive-Disorders-in-Parkinson’s-Disease, Barrat-Impulsiveness-Scale, Obsessive-Compulsive-Inventory and Depression-Anxiety-Stress-Scales; 50 adults from the community (68% women, mean age 29±14) answered the former three. Mann-Whitney-U, Spearman and regression tests were performed using SPSS.ResultsAUD individuals vs. subjects from the community presented higher levels of impulsivity and compulsivity (p<.001). AUD-group: AUDIT median score was 25 (>8 harmful use); 81% reported ICD-symptoms; impulsivity and compulsivity highly correlated (r=.639; p<.001); impulsivity levels explained the presence of certain ICD (gambling, compulsive buying, eating disorders) and depression/anxiety/stress (OR=.152; p<.05); compulsivity levels also explained the occurrence of specific ICD (compulsive buying and other repetitive automatic behaviours) and depression/anxiety/stress (OR=.131 p<.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that impulsivity and compulsivity co-occur and contribute to the explanation of AUD, and related comorbidity and psychological distress. This highlights the utility of considering impulsivity and compulsivity when subtyping, stratifying, and treating AUD patients. Finally, we assert that disorders of impulsivity and compulsivity (eg.: AUD and ICD) co-occur.Conflict of interestNo significant relationships.
Quality of life and abstinence in alcohol use disorders
Authors: Teixeira J. , Ferreira S. , Moutinho L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe analysis of the impact of individuals’ behaviors on their health involves several variables, namely alcoholism. It is necessary to take in account that when anxiety is excessive it may be very disabling and produce many adverse effects, such as unsatisfactory work performance, anxiety disorders, depressive mood and somatic symptoms. These elements affect the Quality of Life (QOL) drastically, while social support of the patients protect QOL.ObjectivesTo assess the quality of life of patients with alcohol use disorders in treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).MethodsAn exploratory, descriptive and correlational study was carried out. A sociodemographic scale was used, an instrument constructed by the authors that assesses the existence of risk behaviors and protective health behaviors, the Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS), and a quality of life assessment scale (WHOQOL-Bref). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25 statistics.ResultsSample consisting of 34 patients with Alcohol Use Disorders. Abstinence time is positively correlated with QOL and negatively correlated with social support satisfaction.ConclusionsThis study shows that in treatment of patients with AUD, longer abstinence times have a positive effect on QOL and overall wellbeing of patients, while being associated with a lower satisfaction with social support. Treatment Units dedicated to AUD should keep striving for maintenance of abstinence due to these positive effects.
Evaluation of the frequency and predictive factors of ethanol consumption among students of the university of pharmacy of monastir
Authors: Bensaid N. , Ghorbel A. , Rekik M. , Messedi N. , Hachicha S. , Messadi F. , Aloulou J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionEthanol is widely consumed by the world’s population, especially young people as part of their university life. In Tunisia, surveys and studies about consumption of ethanol among students are rare or even exceptional.ObjectivesTo evaluate the extent of the consumption of ethanol among pharmacy students in Monastir University, from the first year to residency, and to define the factors associated to this consumption.MethodsThis study was used to collected information about the participants using a questionnaire that covers the different parameters of the consumption of ethanol during student life and the factors influencing this consumption.Results154 participants aged 23.61 years +/- 2.63 among them 37.7% were men and 62.3% women. The prevalence of ethanol consumption was 44.8 %. The main reason for dirking was to party (79.2%). The consumption of ethanol was significantly associated with sex (p=0), place of residence (p=0.047), frequency of hang-outs (p=0), sex life (p=0) and students perception of the alcohol-health relationship (p=0). Various health problems were related to the frequency of consumption of ethanol, such as memory problems (p=0.002), violence and injuries (p=0.014).ConclusionsThe findings of this study underline the need to develop specific studies and general population surveys in order to better assess the situation in Tunisia and to put in place appropriate prevention strategies, such as information and awareness campaigns, aimed at reducing or at least rationing the consumption of ethanol.Conflict of interestNo significant relationships.
Emotional regulation in alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Authors: Ferreira S. , Moutinho L. , Teixeira J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe process of emotional regulation allows the patient to deal with various situations throughout life, since it includes the ability to create and control emotions, in order to guide action and interaction with others. However, people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is not always able to give appropriate responses to surronding situations in the face of certain specific emotions.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the use of emotional regulation strategies in people with AUD.MethodsA descriptive and correlational study was conducted. A sociodemographic questionnaire, that included variables to assess aspects related to AUD, and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were used.ResultsThe sample had 25 participants, mostly male, average age of 46.68 years. 44% were married, and most cases had an withdrawal time larger than 3 months. Regarding emotional regulation strategies, it was found that the participants resort more to cognitive reassessment (M=26.59,SD = 7.54), compared to emotional suppression (M = 15.16, SD = 5.03). Statistically significant differences were found between genders in relation to cognitive reassessment (U = 29.00; p = 0.02). No correlations were found between withdrawal time, treatment time, cognitive reevaluation and emotional suppression.ConclusionsResults show differences between gender, and the absence of a relationship between educational qualifications in cognitive reassessment, contradicting previous findings on general Portuguese population. This data points to the need to implement intervention programs in this population, taking into account the gender variable, and including the development of the ability to identify and express emotions, as well as of strategies to deal with emotional aspects.
Adapting to COVID-19 at arch
Authors: Selladurai A. , Goedhuis C. , Fehler J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe Addictions Recovery Community Hillingdon (ARCH) is a specialist addictions treatment service, providing a range of inteventions for substance use disorders. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required healthcare services to rapidly adapt clinical care in order to safeguard patients and staff from contracting the virus whilst managing clinical risk. Key changes were made to treatment pathways at ARCH.Objectives1. Reduce face-to-face contact between patients and staff (including community pharmacists) 2. To get feedback from patients and staff about changes implementedMethodsTo reduce face-to-face contact, we aimed to decrease the number of patients having supervised consumption of Opiate Substitute Treatment (OST). Furthermore, telephone consultations were encouraged for keyworking and reviews. Patients were randomly selected and interviewed about their experiences and focus groups were be completed with staff.ResultsSupervised consumption of OST was reduced from 41.5% to 6%. Face-to-face appointments were significantly reduced and telephone consultations were introduced as standard. Telephone reviews became the standard method of contact for keyworking sessions and medical reviews. 53% of services whose interval between instalment collection of OST at community pharmacies was extended found it ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to adapt to. 61% of service users who had access virtual platforms finding it ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to access support. Focus groups of staff members revealed that stafff felt the changes in instalment collection of OST was positive for patients.ConclusionsARCH implemented a number of changes to treatment pathways and inteventions to minimise the risk of virus transmission amongst patients and staff whilst managing clinical risk.
Co-use of tobacco and cannabis: Complicated partnerships
Authors: Ganhao I. , Trigo M. , Paixao A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionTreating addiction is more challenging when there are co-addictions. Tobacco smoking is commonly associated with substance abuse, alcohol use disorders, excessive caffeine intake and pathological gambling among other addictions. Smoking reduction and cessation programmes´ objectives benefit from interventions targeting co-addictions.ObjectivesDifficulties arising from smoking reduction and cessation in the context of co-use of cannabis prompt literature review and reflection of a smoking cessation programme team.MethodsPubmed and Google Scholar literature search using terms smoking cessation / tobacco cessation and cannabis.ResultsCo-use of tobacco and cannabis is: 1) very common, 2) associated with greater prevalence of morbidity and social problems, 3) associated with greater dependence of the other substances, 4) negatively influences quit outcomes of either, 5) increases the risk of relapse. Co-users are more likely to perceive the harmful effects of tobacco, have greater motivation and are more likely to quit tobacco than cannabis, which may be perceived as low risk. Treatment of either tobacco smoking or cannabis use may lead to compensatory increase in use of the other substance. There is a significant lack of literature on co-use treatment strategies.ConclusionsCo-use of tobacco and cannabis makes cessation and relapse prevention of either addiction more difficult and should be taken into account in smoking reduction and cessation programmes and in cannabis treatment interventions. Treatment targetting both tobacco and cannabis use, either simultaneously or sequentially, is likely more successful than interventions targeting only either one. Much remais to be studied on how to treat co-use of tobacco and cannabis.
The impact of lockdown measures on the mental health of the general population: Results from a national multicentric study
Authors: Fiorillo A. 
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the related containment measures, such as lockdown, are affecting mental health of the general population worldwide. This is an unprecedented event, which is influencing the health care, political, economic, and social welfare systems. Among Western countries, Italy has been one of the first severely hit by the pandemic in terms of number of cases and mortality rates. On March 8, 2020, the Italian Prime Minister issued restrictive measures in order to limit the spread of the disease. During this period known as “Phase one” of the national health emergency, all not necessary activities have been closed, more than 29,000 people have died and almost 100,000 people have been home-isolated, with strict lockdown measures. The COvid Mental hEalth Trial (COMET) network, including ten university Italian sites and the National Institute of Health, has promoted a national online survey in order to evaluate the impact of lockdown measures on the mental health of the Italian general population. The COMET survey reports data from a large sample of more than 20.000 people from Italian general population, showing that lockdown has had a detrimental impact on mental health, in terms of worsening of anxiety, depressive and stress symptoms. Findings from this study can be useful to inform national and international associations, policy makers and stakeholders on the importance to provide adequate support to the mental health of the general population.DisclosureNo significant relationships.