Internet use can become uncontrollable, leading to physical and psychological suffering and what is known as cyberaddiction.

To assess the frequency of cyberaddiction in a population of young doctors.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study of a population of young doctors. We collected socio-professional and medical data using a Google Forms self-questionnaire. The Young scale was recommended for screening for cyberaddiction. A score ≥5 indicates Internet addiction. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was adopted to reveal anxiety-depressive disorders.

A total of 45 physicians responded to our survey. The mean age was 29.93±4.8 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.3. Participants were single in 69% of cases. Residents represented 64% of the population. Physicians were family medicine residents in 11% of cases. The mean Young’s score was 3.13±1.97/8. Cyberaddiction was noted in 24% of cases. A definite anxiety-depressive disorder was found in 6.7% and 13.3% of cases respectively. Internet addiction was significantly associated with female gender (p<0.05) and a positive HAD (A) score (p=0.03).

According to the results of our study, cyberaddiction is common among medical staff. A preventive strategy is needed to counter the harmful effects of this addiction.

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Excessive use of tobacco, alcohol and other illicit drugs has a negative impact on the physical and mental health and work capacity of users. Physicians are no exception to these dreadful practices.

To assess tobacco and alcohol use among medical staff and the factors associated with these uses.

Descriptive cross-sectional study of physicians practicing in different Tunisian hospitals. The levels of tobacco and alcohol dependence were assessed by the Fangeström and AUDIT tests. Anxiety and depression disorders were screened by the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD)

A total of 45 physicians participated in our study. The average professional seniority was 3.36 ± 3.5 years. The mean age was 32.11 ± 6.08 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.32. The participants were medical residents in 64% of the cases. The frequency of smoking was estimated at 24%. The level of smoking dependence was high in 9% of cases. Men were more addicted to nicotine than women (p=0.014). Alcohol consumption was 18%, made up of 62% of women; with a strong dependence rate in 25% of users. Definite anxiety disorders were found in 7% of cases and definite depressive disorders were present in 13% of cases. No correlation between medical specialty, grade, anxiety disorders and level of dependence was observed.

Doctors seem to be particularly affected by addictive behaviours and psycho-emotional disorders which could sustain these practices. Awareness-raising sessions and special monitoring must be introduced to combat these scourges.

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Child depression is a public health problem. Its association with internet addiction (IA) could increase the frequency of complications and have a significant impact on the child’s psychological well-being, schooling, family and social life.

To study the clinical profile and associated factors of IA in a population of primary school children with depressive disorders.

This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of 182 children with depression attending four primary schools in the government of Sfax. The study took place from 1 March 2022 to 30 June 2022. In the present study, we administered the following psychometric scales: Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS- 47), Birleson Depression Scale Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

The mean age of the children studied was 9.9 ±1.17 years and the sex ratio was 0.8. Mean score of Internet Addiction Test was 40 ±4,46. In addition, Internet addiction was identified in 73.6% of students with depression (N=143). Following a univariate analysis, internet addiction among depressed Childrens was positively correlated to individual factors such as the absence of leisure activity, the number of hours per day spent on the internet (1.63 VS 3.25, P < 0.001) and interest in accessing Tiktok (p=0.002). Internet addiction in depressed children also depended on family factors. Internet addiction was more common among childrens with a medium to high family socio-economic level (P < 0.001) in cases where parent-child communication was deemed unsatisfactory (P = 0.002) and in cases of verbal violence (P < 0.001). We were also able to establish a significant link between internet addiction among depressed pupils and significant symptoms of anxiety (P=0.019) and low self-esteem (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression revealed that medium to high socio-economic level, unsatisfactory parent-child communication, absence of leisure activities and significant symptoms of social phobia were independent predictors of Internet addiction in children with depression.

Our study highlighted the high frequency of IA in children with depression and demonstrated the implication of certain variables such as medium to high socio-economic status, disruption of the family environment, anxiety and low self-esteem. The identification of these different factors would make it possible to identify a group at risk of IA. This raises the case for introducing prevention and awareness-raising campaigns on IA among depressed children, targeting these groups and targeting health professionals and parents.

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In recent years, interest has grown in understanding the particularities of addiction in women. One of these singularities, with an important impact on public health, is pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy has increased in recent decades. Given that addiction is mainly a chronic disease of the brain circuits of reward, motivation and memory, an event such as pregnancy does not exempt people who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) from the difficulties of achieving abstinence. Moreover, as addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission, pregnant women can also suffer a relapse even if they previously had achieved abstinence. On the other hand, given that addiction is a disease with a significant social component, we can find patients in precarious economic and social situations who suffer unwanted and therefore unplanned pregnancies.

To describe the case of a pregnant woman with SUD for multiple drugs who is admitted to the inpatient ward of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona for detoxification. Also to reflect, taking in to account gender perspective, on the particularities of substance use in women on childbearing age.

We present the case of a 25-year-old woman, six weeks pregnant and homeless, who was admitted to the inpatient ward for presumed psychotic symptoms. Even if the patient had a history of intravenous heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine use, during the admission she only admitted current alcohol consumption (3 UBE/day). During admission, the patient decided to undergo a legal voluntary abortion. Regarding this case, we did a literature review on the consequences of different substances use to pregnancy (to both the fetus and the mother’s health). Likewise, we reflected on interventions that could be carried out in community mental health facilities to detect cases like the one exposed and provide help.

Poor obstetric outcomes are six times higher in patients who use substances. Newborns can have withdrawal syndrome, spontaneous abortion, pre-term birth, fetal malformations and fetal growth restriction. More than 50% of women of reproductive age use drugs, mainly alcohol. Routine screening and education of women of reproductive age is the best way to reduce substance use during pregnancy.

We consider it essential for a better management of these patients to remember that the evidence suggests that the decisions that addicts make are mainly driven by a pathology, not by a moral failure. However, pregnancy can be a moment of greater motivation to stop using drugs, given that it is a high risk situation for the mother and the fetus.

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Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has emerged as a widespread social challenge and is characterised by an individual’s inability to regulate their internet use, culminating in a negative impact on their daily life. It is vital to explore the possible mediating relationship between psychological distress and unregulated Internet use.

The study aims to explore the relationship between problematic Internet use, psychological distress and quality of life.

In this cross-sectional study, participants engaged in a structured data collection process using Google Forms, responding to a series of questions developed through a quantitative methodology using a Likert scale questionnaire.

The K-6 Distress Scale and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) were used in conjunction with questions about demographics and problematic internet use.The integration of these multiple measures aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the effects and patterns of Internet use and its association with different levels of distress and demographic variables.

Statistical data analysis revealed notable associations between psychological distress and several variables, including age, education, employment status and health, but no significant associations were found with place of residence or marital status. Significant associations were also found between problematic Internet use (PIU) and variables such as age, education, employment, marital status and health. However, no significant association was found with place of residence. Quality of life was also found to be correlated with age, employment status and health, but not with marital status or educational attainment. In addition, the analysis revealed a strong association between problematic internet use (PIU) and psychological distress. A concurrent increase in reported psychological distress was observed as PIU levels escalated, reinforcing the relationship between excessive internet use and psychological wellbeing. This suggests that PIU may be associated with increased levels of mental distress in the population studied.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of mental distress, PIU, and quality of life in relation to demographic factors. It underscores the importance of holistic approaches to mental health that consider individual characteristics and behaviors, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges posed by problematic internet use. Further research and tailored interventions are needed to better understand and support people facing these complex issues.

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Psychotropic substance use among medical residents represents a critical concern due to its potential impact on patient care and practitioner well-being. This topic looks into the prevalence and characteristics of psychotropic substance use, including prescription medications and illicit drugs, among individuals pursuing medical residency. Understanding the scope of the problem and its distinctive features is essential for developing targeted interventions and support mechanisms within the medical community.

To assess psychotropic substance use among medical residents, describe its characteristics and determine the prevalence of problematic use.

We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive studyamong Tunisian medical residents over a three-month period (August - September 2022) using an online survey. Different specialties and levels of residency were included. An online self-questionnaire was used including a data collection form and the DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) scale. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 20th version software

Among the 80 residents in our study, 19 (23.8%) reported psychotropic substance use, and 12 (15%) reportedthat they had misused psychotropic drugs at least once in their lives (without a prescription and/or with a prescription but not following the instructions). The most commonly psychotropic drugs used were benzodiazepines, followed by amphetamines, analgesics, anesthetics, and pregabalin (28%, 16%, 12%, 12%, 12%, respectively).

Consumption was regular for 41.7% of those who reported psychotropic drugs misuse. The initiation of psychotropic use followed a desire to experiment various substances (41.7%), a medical prescription (33.3%), or their availability due to medical practice (25%). Self-medication and recreational use were the most common reasons for use (41.7% each). Furthermore, 31.6% of consumers revealed a problematic substance use as assessed by the DAST-10 scale.

Our study showed a concerning prevalence of psychotropic substance use among medical residents, benzodiazepines being the most prevalent. Notably, 15% acknowledged misuse and a significant proportion displayed problematic substance use. These results highlight the potential health risks and the importance of addressing this issue within the medical community.

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Cannabis use is very common worldwide. Its consumption could be explained by recreational purposes as it can be motivated by some psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.

This study aims to explore the relationship between cannabis use, depression, anxiety and self-esteem among a population of Tunisian adults living abroad.

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire on young Tunisians people who have completed their secondary studies at the pilot high school of Sfax and currently residing abroad. The survey questionnaire was designed on Google Forms. It included a data collection sheet and psychometric scales “Cannabis Abuse Screening Test” (CAST), “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) and”Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale”.

The sample consisted of 35 Tunisian young adults. 17 participants (48.6%) reported a cannabis use behavior. It was done with friends in a festive setting in 88% of cases (N=15). According to the CAST, 17,6% (N=3) of cannabis users were at high risk of cannabis dependence. Anxiety was present in 17,6% (N=3) and depression in 17,6% (N=3) of participants. Self-esteem was low in 23,53% (N=4) of participants.

Cannabis use was not associated with the presence of current emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression (p=0.894 and p=0.933 respectively). It was also not associated with lower self-esteem (p=0.585).

Cannabis use is relatively common among young Tunisian emigrants without evolving towards dependence inseveral cases. This behavior seems to be more influenced by social factors and misrepresentations about cannabis than by psychological disturbance.

None Declared

Tunisian emigrants may consume psychoactive substances in other countries. This community is exposed to sociocultural and legal contexts different from those in Tunisia and the degree of acculturation would tend to increase over time. However, data on the use of psychoactive substances, particularly cannabis, in this particular population are scarce.

This study aims to determine the profile of Tunisian young adults residing abroad who use cannabis.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study. It was carried out in the form of an online survey. We focused on young Tunisians people who have completed their secondary studies at the pilot high school of Sfax and currently residing abroad. Data collection was through Google Forms administred questionnaire.

Thirty-five participants were included in our study. Cannabis use behavior affected 48.6% of them (N=17)) and it was done with friends in a festive setting in 88% of cases (N=15). Cannabis use was more common among people who were single (p=0.001), living alone (p=0.047), had a psychiatric history (p=0.032) and hanging out with friends who also smoked cannabis (p=0.032).Cannabis use was also more common among cigarette smokers (p=0.000) and alcohol consumers (p=0.000). It was significantly more common among people who shared erroneous beliefs about cannabis, that it is a mild drug (p= 0.024) and that it does not cause dependence (p= p=0.042).

Cannabis use among Tunisian young adults residing abroad seems to be a form of poly-consumption, more common among singles, living alone and having a psychiatric vulnerability. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address cannabis use within this specific population.

None Declared

Individuals who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) are at increased risk of Hepatitis C (HCV). Mount Carmel Hospital (MCH) is the only public service in-patient mental health care facility on the island of Malta. Individuals with SUD are referred to MCH for support with comorbid mental health conditions.

To assess whether current practice meets the UK Clinical Guidelines on Drug Misuse and Dependence (2017) recommendations- yearly screening for HCV, further testing and referral to infectious disease specialists for those who screen positive for HCV. To compare current practice at MCH, Malta with other countries in the European Union and United Kingdom.

Retrospective analysis of HCV screening, investigation and referral practices as recorded on iSoft Clinical Manager records for SUD-related admissions to MCH under the care of addiction specialists in 2022 (n=120). Admissions data were provided by the data protection office, with permission from the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and de-identified at source to safeguard patient confidentiality.

60% (n=72) of the SUD inpatient population underwent screening for HCV according to guideline recommendations. 37% (n=44) of this cohort has received a positive HCV antibody result. 32 persons had HCV RNA load records, 34% (n=11) of whom had a detectable viral load. 50% (n=17) of those who screened positive for HCV were offered an appointment with an infectious disease specialist within the year, 7 attended. The table below compares HCV status between our group and published data for the UK, Austria and Greece. Despite heterogeneity in study designs and populations (we describe an inpatient cohort with diagnosed SUD, not all of whom inject drugs) comparable proportions have undergone HCV screening in the preceding twelve months and similar proportions have chronic HCV infection.

Most SUD inpatients at MCH undergo HCV screening according to guideline recommendations but current practice falls short of ideal coverage and follow-up care. Current screening practices and chronic HCV infection rates at MCH are comparable to other countries in the EU and UK.

None Declared

Since that the online commerce provides an important shopping environment, it has been argued that traditional buying-shopping disorder may migrate into the online market.

The aims of the current study were to investigate the prevalence of online buying-shopping disorder, and to determine sociodemographic and psychological factors related to this addictive behavior.

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted among subjects who had already made at least one online shopping. Data was collected using a self-questionnaire published by GOOGLE FORMS. Assessment included the short version of the Internet Addiction Test modified for online shopping sites (s-IATshop). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) has been used to assess anxiety and depression.

A total of 137 participants aged 34.62 ± 9.82 years completed the online questionnaire.

Only 4 (2.9%) participants had a probable compulsive buying shopping on line.

The HADS-A score ranged from 0 to 14, with a mean of 6.85 +/- 3.49 and almost half of the participants (44.5%; N=61) had anxiety symptoms.

A high s-IAT shopping score was correlated with secondary or university education (p=0.046). We also found that women, who were younger and had higher incomes, had the highest scores on the s-IAT-shopping scale, without however confirming statistical significance.

Our study has shown the potential vulnerability factors for compulsive online shopping disorder. Thus, this behaviour deserves to be taken into account in behavioural addictions.

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Self-esteem plays a role in the adaptive functioning of the human being. It could be a protective factor regarding multiple risks particularly substance use.

The aim of this study is to assess self-esteem among a group of young Tunisian users of cannabis.

The total study sample was composed of 137 participants, who took part of a transversal descriptive study during two months (January and February 2020). These partakers were comprehensively recruited among Emergency patients of Mahdia Hospital. Thereupon, the main criteria for the selection of these patients was their consumption of cannabis, regardless of their primary health care seeking reason or purpose. The research was carried out upon their declaration of cannabis consumption and their compliance to be part of such a study. Thus, Data were collected on a pre-determined data sheet that included various information (age, sex, lifestyle, personal and family psychiatric history, age at which they started their cannabis consumption and the rate of cannabis use …). Accordingly, Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Consequently, the interview took place after the subject’s verbal and informed consent and the assurance of anonymity and confidentiality of the interview content.

In our study population, the cannabis consumers were young adults aged between 18 and 35 years old, with a male predominance of 71%. Among those users, 65.9% were single and 29.7% dropped out of school or experienced academic failure. On a socio-economic level, we concluded to a rate of 5.8% (lower class), 60.9% (middle class) and 33.3% (upper class). Besides, 40.8% were employed. In total, 23.2% had a psychiatric history. Furthermore, the use of other substances was also prominent and frequent as follows: alcohol 72.5%, tobacco 74.6%, ecstasy 41.3% and 25.4% cocaine. The use of cannabis was considered as a means of indulgence and pleasure for 66.7%, as an anxiolytic for 26.8% and as a sedative for 23.9%. Self-esteem, among those cannabis users, was very low in 20% of cases, low in 38% of cases, medium in 15% of cases and high in 25% of cases. Consequently, more than half of the study population remains below the medium average according to RSES.

These results lead us to question the relation between cannabis and self-esteem. The question that is evolved about the use of cannabis is the following: Is it used as a remedy or is it the cause of self-esteem deficiency?

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Cocaine use has become popular in the form of crack and has spread throughout the world. Crack/cocaine use is often linked to serious social and psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and users appear to be at increased risk of physical and mental illness and social harm.

To determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients followed and hospitalized in the addictology department at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé for management of crack/cocaine use disorder.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical criteria and a post-traumatic stress scale (PCLS) to investigate the existence of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients monitored and hospitalized for crack/cocaine use disorder in the addictology department at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé.

We collected 77 participants. The majority of patients were born in the city The average age of the participants was 27, with a male predominance (67%). The majority were unemployed at the time of the study, single, separated or divorced. For more than 50%, the start of drug use was more than 4 years ago. The smoked route (crack) is the most predominant, followed by the inhaled route and 1% for the injectable route. Some 37% were hospitalized in an addictology unit. Almost 65% of participants had a history of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Co-morbidity between crack/cocaine use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder is frequent among patients monitored and hospitalized in the addictology department at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé. There seems to be a need to develop new therapeutic strategies and to adapt existing programs to patients’ needs. In addition, understanding the profiles of patients suffering from this comorbidity in mental health facilities could help clinical staff to better accept their problems and behaviours, thus promoting treatment adherence and better outcomes.

None Declared

Addictive disorder, characterized by the tendency to abuse an illicit substance or manifest a repeated risky behavior, is a fairly common phenomenon occurring in the last 50 years, predominantly in middle and high income countries. While psychotherapy has an evident positive impact in the treatment of the disorder, data has shown that it is often not sufficient to achieve full remission and have optimal positive impact in the quality of life compared to simultaneous use of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and psychosocial rehabilitation.

The aim of the study is to highlight different specifics of the inpatient treatment of “Mr. E”, living in a post-war middle-income country with rapid social and cultural transition.

Subject of this case study is “Mr. E” a 17 year old student with a history of family trauma with a long history of abuse and ambulatory psychiatric treatment. Data has been analyzed from the medical history of the patient treated in 2023, in the substance abuse unit of the Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Kosova. Semi structured interviews, daily abstinence symptoms evaluation and self - report measures were used to gather qualitative data throughout the treatment process. Treatment protocol consisted on: detoxification, pharmacotherapy and simultaneous supportive individual and group psychotherapy, with the goal to evaluate, treat and reintegrate “Mr. E” into the society free of illicit substance abuse. Comorbidities are correlated with underlying causes, while a healthy lifestyles are promoted through the work on behavior changes that will support optimal social reintegration in a rapid changing social and cultural environment.

The findings revealed several significant therapeutic objectives such as: Enhanced self – awareness; Reduced ruminations and increased self-control; Enhanced quality of life; and Decreased substance abuse. Detoxification protocol in the treatment of addictive disorder in inpatient psychiatric treatment was essential for abstinence symptom management during crisis. Strengthening the body parallel to healing the mind was found as an important stepping stone.

Combined, detoxification, psychopharmacological, and psychotherapeutic approach was essential for successful treatment of a young adult in a post-war middle income country with rapid social and cultural transition.

None Declared

Orthorexia and exercise addiction can lead to serious health problems, such as malnutrition and exercise-related injuries.

The aims of our study were to assess the prevalence of exercise addiction and orthorexia nervosa in Tunisian students at the Institute of Physical Education in order to investigate the relationship between these different health dimensions.

An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students in the Sfax and Gafsa sports sections during March 2023. The orthorexic tendency was assessed using the ORTO-15 questionnaire. An ORTO-15 score below 40 points indicates orthorexic tendencies. The Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) was used to study exercise addiction

In our study, 240 students were included. Mean scores on the ORTO-15 and EAI scales were 38.6 ± 8 and 16.6 ± 4.1 respectively. Participants at risk of exercise addiction had a statistically significant tendency towards orthorexia (p<0.001). Among the students, 82.5% had engaged in regular physical activity at a gym in the last two years. The reasons given by students for going to the gym were muscle strengthening (57.9%) and preparation for a sporting competition (37%).

Among students taking part in sports activities at the gym, the mean ORTHO-15 score was significantly lower among those doing so to prepare for a sports competition (p=0.005). Participants who believed that they were addicted to sport had a statistically greater tendency towards orthorexia (p=0.012).

Our study revealed an association between addictive exercise and orthorexic eating in Tunisian athlete students.

None Declared

The harmful consumption of alcohol is known for how tortuous its management can be in mental health, encouraging introspection of it as a serious problem is perhaps the main key to starting to battle against its damaging influence on the development of a functional and full life.

To describe a clinical case showing an unpredictible complication in an alcohol detoxification process.

54-year-old man, native of Cádiz, widowed for half a decade, without children. He resides with his parents in the family home. Currently unemployed for approximately a year. He has previously worked in the IT sector. As a notable somatic history, we found long-established arterial hypertension and a total hip replacement. He has been under irregular follow-up with a mental health team for anxiety-depressive symptoms in the context of grief. He goes to the emergency service brought by his family to begin the detoxification process in the hospital setting. He acknowledges ethanol consumption since he was widowed, which began when he awakes; quantities that ranged between one or up to three bottles of distilled liquor per day, generally consumption is in the home environment. A little less than a year ago, he began to isolate himself in his room and abandon his self-care, eating increasingly insufficient food intake, refusing to receive professional care to quit the habit, mainly because he did not recognize it as disruptive.

The patient was admitted to hospital with symptoms suggestive of withdrawal, making it extremely difficult to control blood pressure levels. On the third day of admission to the acute care unit, fever peaks, blood pressure levels well below normal parameters, and compromised level of consciousness began to be evident.

Blood tests were performed that, together with the clinical picture, suggested imminent septic shock, so critical care was contacted for transfer and stabilization. A germ of probable urinary etiology sensitive to a broad spectrum of antibiotics was isolated in blood cultures, and the medication of the detoxification process was progressively optimized. Once clinical stability was achieved at all levels, an inpatient cessation resource was managed, which the patient accepted and considered suitable for his complete recovery.

A holistic approach to the alcoholic patient is important, since serious problems of an organic nature often arise. This is why a multidisciplinary intervention is necessary, as well as a holistic approach to care, involving both classic pharmacology and assiduous long-term psychotherapeutic intervention.

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In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of illicit use of fentanyl and other opioids in the United States population. This has led to an increase in medical, psychopathological and abuse-associated comorbidity, an increase in deaths and a decrease in the age of consumption, and has become a serious emerging problem in young people.

We present the case of an 18-year-old woman from the United States who recently settled in Spain and started a follow-up in Mental Health due to opioid and other substance abuse problems.

To address the growing problem surrounding the illicit use of fentanyl and opioids as drugs of abuse based on the presentation of the clinical case mentioned above.

Bibliographic search and description of a clinical case of a patient under follow-up by Mental Health at the “Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid”.

An 18-year-old woman from the United States who has been living with her father in Spain since the summer of 2023, having moved to Spain due to problems related to substance abuse.

With no previous medical or surgical history and with a history of follow-up in Mental Health in her country of origin for depressive symptomatology, dysfunctional personality traits and abuse of different toxic substances since adolescence.

After a brief and erratic follow-up in Psychiatry for anxious-depressive symptoms reactive to a complex and conflictive relationship with his mother and marked academic difficulties during the first years of adolescence, at the age of 15 he started using cannabis and alcohol, thus beginning a period marked by relationships with marginalized sectors of the population, substance abuse and school failure.

As his cannabis consumption intensified, he began to consume fentanyl prescribed to his mother, as well as other opioids to which he had access illegally, for which reason he had to be admitted twice to detoxification centers without results, which is why his family finally decided to move him to Spain.

In recent years, fentanyl abuse has become a serious public health problem that is mainly centered in the young population.

High levels of impulsivity and lack of frustration tolerance predispose to the use of illicit substances for elusive purposes.

Substance abuse carries with it not only an important organic comorbidity, but also a marked socio-familial and economic repercussion.

None Declared

Cannabis is the most used recreational drug worldwide. Cannabinoids have long been known for their anti-emetic properties. Paradoxically, chronic cannabis consumption has been linked to inducing refractory nausea and vomiting, a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS remains inadequately acknowledged by clinicians.

Report a CHS case and discuss this syndrome’s diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management.

Collection of clinical information and review of the literature.

We share the case of a 38-year-old male who repeatedly recured to the emergency department (ED) due to persistent vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. The patient had experienced similar intermittent episodes over the past 12 years. Interestingly, the use of hot showers provided symptomatic relief. Urine drug tests consistently showed positive results for cannabinoids. During acute phases, he required supportive treatment involving fluid therapy. Long-term treatment included cannabis abstinence. CHS is defined by episodic vomiting, following prolonged excessive cannabis consumption, which is alleviated by sustained cessation of cannabis. During the acute phase of the condition, patients often find relief using hot baths and showers, which is a common behavior observed. CHS-related complications encompass acute kidney injury and severe electrolyte disturbances. CHS can result in multiple ED visits, frequent hospitalizations, extensive diagnostic evaluations, and elevated healthcare expenditures. Although the exact pathophysiology of CHS remains unclear, some mechanisms have been proposed. These include reduced gastric motility by gastrointestinal cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) overriding, cannabinoid lipid buildup, endocannabinoid system dysregulation, dysregulated stress response, changes in thermoregulation, modifications in the transient receptor potential vanilloid system and genetic polymorphisms in the P450 system. In the acute phase, the foremost concern is providing supportive care including intravenous hydration and electrolyte corrections. The most effective treatment for CHS is cannabis cessation. Nevertheless, there are alternative treatments that have shown promise in alleviating symptoms, such as hot water hydrotherapy, topical capsaicin, haloperidol, benzodiazepines, propranolol and aprepitant.

As cannabis usage becomes increasingly prevalent, it becomes imperative for healthcare providers to acknowledge the long-term effects of cannabinoids, specifically regarding CHS. This diagnosis should be contemplated when evaluating patients who experience recurrent and incoercible vomiting coupled with a history of cannabis consumption. The compulsion to take hot baths or showers can serve as a noteworthy indicator for diagnosing CHS.

None Declared

Addiction to video games, cybersex, internet gambling, social media, texting and emailing, and online auctions can be as addictive as substances. These technological addictions have real-world ramifications and lead to the loss of jobs, money, and loved ones. As technology becomes integrated into many facets of modern life, the appreciation of such addictions has become increasingly challenging. This session will explore the addictive potential of technology and discuss the legitimacy of technological addictions as psychiatric conditions worthy of medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

1. 1. List five forms of Technological Addictions as they appear in the scientific literature of 2023.

2. 2. Describe the psychology and culture surrounding Internet Gaming addiction.

3. 3. Distinguish between normal use and addiction.

Lecture and discussion

1. 1. Research on the phenomenology and nosology of these illnesses helps us further elucidate the distinction between problematic and nonproblematic use of technology, especially in children and young adults.

2. 2. Another area of new research involves emerging technologies. By the time clinicians get a firmer grasp of today’s ailments, the technology of tomorrow—such as virtual reality and smart devices powered by artificial intelligence—will be commonplace enough to bring about a host of new problems.

Though data on the prevalence of technological addictions are sparse, most people use computers, tablets, and smartphones regularly with great benefits and no serious adverse consequences. We will need to be ready to guide our patients, our colleagues, and the general public on how to best handle technology with an eye on maximizing its enormous potential for fulfillment, gratification, and happiness while minimizing its significant risks for dissatisfaction, misery, and despair.

None Declared

Chronic alcoholism can result in severe liver conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, potentially leading to life-threatening complications and premature death.

This study investigated the age-sex distribution of patients with alcohol addiction and aimed to identify differences in clinic department preferences based on their principal and additional diagnoses in Taiwan, in 2022.

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the diagnostic patterns of 334 patients with alcohol addiction from the Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Figure 1 depicts patient demographics, highlighting 297 male and 37 female patients with alcohol-related disorders. Males aged 41-60 years were particularly dominant, as shown in Figure 2. Principal diagnoses, including alcoholic liver disease and acute pancreatitis, are detailed in Table 1. Additional diagnoses, such as chronic pancreatitis and esophageal varices, are presented in Table 2. For departmental preferences, Table 3 reveals the Gastrointestinal (GI) department as the top choice, followed by Kidney, Neurological, and Cardiovascular/Chest.Table 1.

Top 5 Principal Diagnoses of Alcohol Addiction Patients.

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Image 2:

The study revealed that patients with alcohol addiction often delay seeking psychiatric help instead of presenting for medical care only after liver or gastrointestinal complications occur. This underscores the crucial need for better health education regarding the relationship between alcohol addiction and liver disease. Prompt recognition and early intervention for substance addiction can significantly reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes.

None Declared

Alcohol abuse is a multifaceted problem. Its harmful effects on the individual have been more studied. Less studied is the influence of a drinking person on his microsocial environment. Having an abusing person in his space makes it interesting to study the influence of some quantitative and qualitative indicators of his alcohol consumption on the microsocial environment.

1532 people were examined during 2018-2022, who belonged to three comparison groups: patients with alcohol dependence (AD) (401 people); healthy relatives of AD patients (725 people); representatives of the general population comparable with the representatives of the first two age groups (406 people).

The main research instruments were the questionnaire of the international research consortium “GENAHTO” (Gender, Alcohol, and Harms to Others), as well as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The obtained data were processed by methods of mathematical statistics (variance, correlation and regression analysis).

An algorithm for regression analysis in conditions of high dispersion of the initial data has been developed. Using this algorithm, it was shown that the regression dependence of the main characteristics of alcohol behavior on the frequency of DD is non-linear, while for typical and maximum doses of alcohol it is optimally described by polynomials of the second degree, and for the severity of disorders due to alcohol use (AU), the time spent on AU, as well as self-assessment of the negative impact of AU by respondents on their environment - by polynomials of the third degree. It was found that for men (on average) to reach the border of risky-dangerous AU (according to the criteria of the AUDIT test), a lower frequency of DD is sufficient than for women, which indicates a greater vulnerability of men (compared to women) to the formation of disorders due to AU.

It was established that for men (on average) to reach the limit of risky and dangerous (according to the criteria of the AUDIT test), a lower frequency (2-3 times a week) is enough than for women (3-4 times a week), which once again indicates greater vulnerability of men (compared to women) to the formation of due to psychological problems and mental disorders.

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