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Novel psychoactive substances in a psychiatric young adults sample: A multicenter, observational study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

T. Acciavatti
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
S. Marini
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
E. Cinosi
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
R. Santacroce
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
M. Corbo
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
V. Mancini
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
T. Galanti
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
M. Carlucci
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
G. Martinotti
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy
M. Di Giannantonio
Affiliation:
University “G. D’Annunzio”, department of neuroscience and imaging, Chieti, Italy

Abstract

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Introduction

Comorbidities between psychiatric diseases and consumption of traditional substances of abuse are common. Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the psychiatric population.

Objectives

The purpose of this multicentre survey is to investigate the consumption of a wide variety of psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric sample.

Methods

Between September 2013 and November 2015, a questionnaire has been administered, in ten Italian psychiatric care facilities, to a sample of 671 psychiatric patients (48.5% men; 51.5% women), aged between 18 and 26 years (mean age: 22.24).

Results

8.2% of the sample declared use of NPS at least once in a lifetime and 2.2% have assumed NPS in the last three months. The NPS more used were synthetic cannabinoids (4.5%), followed by methamphetamine (3.6%). The three psychiatric diagnosis with more frequent NPS consumption were bipolar disorder (23.1%), personality disorders (11.8%) and schizophrenia and related disorders (11.6%). Bipolar disorder was associated with NPS consumption (P < .001). Among the illicit drugs investigated, 31.4% of the sample was cannabis smoker and 10.7% cocaine user. Moreover, 70.6% of the sample declared alcohol use and 47.7% had binge drinking conducts. In univariate regression analysis, bipolar disorder was positive associated with binge drinking while obsessive compulsive disorder resulted negative associated.

Conclusions

The use of novel psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric population appears to be a frequent phenomenon, probably still underestimated. Bipolar disorder shows an association with NPS use. Therefore, careful and constant monitoring and accurate evaluations of possible clinical effects related to their use are necessary.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
e-Poster Walk: Comorbidity/Dual pathologies and guidelines/Guidance - Part 2
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2017
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