Comorbidity between psychiatric disorders and disorders linked to psychoactive substance use is common and represent a real public health problem.

The association of a psychiatric disorder can, in certain cases, modify the treatment methods and also the evolution of the addictive behavior.

Determining the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with substance use disorder Identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized in the addictology department.

We conducted a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims, in order to study psychiatric comorbidities in 150 patients with substance use disorder hospitalized in the addictology department of Ar Razi hospital in Salé over a period from June 1, 2022 to August 30, 2023.

Data collection was done using a questionnaire including clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, the prevalence of problematic use of psychoactive substances and the comorbidity of psychiatric disorders (diagnoses assessed by DSM 5 criteria).

A male predominance was noted (80%). The main substances consumed in the last 12 months were tobacco (98%), cannabis (74%), alcohol and benzodiazepines.

The majority of patients presented at least one psychiatric comorbidity (80%), with a predominance of depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Personal history of suicide attempts was found in 30% of the sample Substance dependency that prompted initially the consultation was higher in patients with psychiatric comorbidity (p < 0.05)

Post-traumatic stress disorder was significantly associated with the presence of problematic cocaine and alcohol use. Social phobia is associated with the absence of a criminal record.

Addictive behaviors are often associated with psychiatric disorders. The most common psychiatric comorbidities are depression, anxiety and personality disorders, hence the need for simultaneous treatment of psychiatric pathologies and addictive behavior

None Declared

Opioid substitution treatments, notably methadone, now represent the standard treatment in the management of opioid dependence, making it possible to reduce illicit opioid consumption, crime, infections linked to administration practices and improve socio-professional integration

Determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients Evaluate the quality of life of these patients

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted with 60 patients receiving methadone followed at Ar-Razi Hospital in Salé between 01 june 2023 and 30 august 2023. A questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Quality of life was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey SF-36 scale

The average age of our patients was 34 years with a male predominance Most of our patients were single and unemployed Somatic disorders were found in 15% of the sample The majority of them had an associated depressive disorder The main types of new psychoactive substances consumed were benzodiazepines (62.3%) and cannabis.

Quality of life was impaired in 60% of patients treated with methadone

The population using methadone is precarious and presents somatic and psychiatric vulnerability. Forms of misuse and associated consumption of other psychoactive substances and illicit drugs are recorded, hence the need for early detection in order to improve care

None Declared

Opioid use disorder is a pattern of problematic opioid use, leading to impaired functioning or clinically significant suffering. Morocco, a pioneer in the Arab world in the field of opiate substitution, is no exception to this rule, and has found itself confronted with a situation where opiate use is much more widespread in the north of the country. Morocco’s geographical proximity to Europe and the multiple interactions fostered by migratory population flows undoubtedly contribute not only to the spread of hard drug use, particularly heroin, but also to the diversification of consumption methods (injection drugs)

The main objective of our work was to study socio-demographic and clinical profile of opoid users in morocco, but also their quality of life after treatment in Morocco, before concluding with recommendations for improving the overall management of the patient.

We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study in the Addictology Department at Ar-razi Hospital in Salé, which provides oral methadone substitution therapy for around 80 patients.

The total number of patients responding to the questionnaire was 60 participants.

The population of methadone-treated patients in our study was 83.33% (n = 50) male and 16.67% female (n = 10).

The most common age group in our study was between 31 and 45 (71.67%). 36.67% were married (n=22), 80% (n=48) lived with their family, 83.34% (n=50) had a secondary school education or higher, while the vast majority 63.33% (n=38) had no fixed occupation.

96.7% (n=58) of participants were of Moroccan nationality, against only 3.3% who were foreigners (n=2).

The main indication for methadone withdrawal in our patients was heroin use (66.67%), followed by Codeine, then Tramadol. The daily doses of methadone delivered ranged from 04 to 200 mg/patient, with an average of 75 mg.

The main adverse effects reported by our patients were libido disturbance, constipation, fatigue and sleep disturbance.

63.33% (n=38) of patients continued to use other psychoactive substances on a regular basis, mainly tobacco, followed by cannabis.

13.33% (n=8) reported persistent craving, and the vast majority claimed to be supported by a family member (70%, n=40).

For several years, quality of life has been a major preoccupation of healthcare professionals in a bio-psycho-social approach. In this vision of care, quality of life should now be part of the clinical criteria for monitoring patients on methadone.

None Declared

Parasitosis delirium represents a rare mono-symptomatic psychosis characterized by the delirious firm belief of the patient, against all evidence, of being infested by cutaneous parasites. The syndrome affects in particular middle-aged women, and can be the single manifestation of psychological uneasiness or represent one of the aspects of a more complex psychiatric case, compromising almost totally any normal daily work and/or social activity. It is often accompanied by a refusal to seek psychiatric care. This condition can be associated with various underlying causes, including substance use disorders and psychotic depression. Understanding the differences and similarities between delirium of infestation in the context of cocaine use and psychotic depression is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

This study aims to compare and contrast the clinical features, etiology, and treatment approaches of delirium of infestation in individuals with cocaine use and those with psychotic depression. By examining these two distinct populations, we can gain insights into the unique challenges and considerations associated with each condition.

A case report of a 44-year-old woman with delirium of parasitosis, depressive symptoms and cocaine use in the last three days. Also a comprehensive literature review using the PubMed database to identify relevant clinical articles on delirium of infestation, cocaine use, and psychotic depression.

Cocaine use and psychotic depression can both cause delirium of infestation. Cocaine-induced delirium is characterized by agitation, paranoia, and delusions of infestation. Psychotic depression is characterized by a depressed mood, delusions, and hallucinations. Delusions of infestation are a common feature of bothconditions. However, the underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches differ. Cocaine-induced delirium is primarily associated with the acute effects of cocaine on the central nervous system, while psychotic depression involves a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Treatment for cocaine-induced delirium involves addressing the underlying cocaine use, while treatment for psychotic depression involves antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. Otherwise, Anti-Parkinson drugs were most frequently associated with delusional infestation

Delirium of infestation can occur in individuals with cocaine use and those with psychotic depression, albeit with different etiologies. Clinicians should consider the underlying cause when diagnosing and treating patients with this condition. Further research is needed to explore the specific neurobiological mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for delirium of infestation in these distinct populations.

None Declared

Several studies have called atention to the mental health disorders associated with chemsex -the intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse GBMSM (gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men) population-. Sexualized intravenous drug use is also known as slam or slamsex. There are few studies that analyze the mental health differences between intravenous drug users compared to non-intravenous drug users in chemsex context.

We aim to analyze the relationship between the practice of slamsex and the development of drug-induced psychosis.

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of a sample of users attended by the non-governmental organization Apoyo Positivo in the program “Sex, Drugs and You” between 2016-2019 was performed.

We included 217 participants. Drug-induced psychosis was found in 80 participants. Drug-induced psychosis was significantly higher in the intravenous drug use group compared to the non-intravenous drug use group (p<0.05).

Previous studies have reported that MSM who practiced chemsex were more likely to experience from different mental health disorders, being psychosis one of the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses. In our study, drug-induced psychosis was higher in participants who engaged in intravenous drug use. Further studies analyzing the relationship between slamsex and drug-induced psychosis are needed.

None Declared

The intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse (chemsex) is a phenomenon of special importance in the MSM (men who have sex with men) population due to its impact on mental, physical and sexual health. Group therapy has been included in several programs for chemsex users.

To describe and to compare the different group therapy treatments for problematic chemsex users in NGOs community treatment settings in Spain.

We conducted several interviews with key informants from 5 NGO in Spain. A qualitative analysis of the different group therapy treatments for problematic chemsex was performed.

Different models of groups were described including: psychoeducational, support, interpersonal process, harm reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive groups. Most of the group interventions developed were support and psychoeducational based. There were fewer interpersonal group and relapse prevention group therapy. The different models of group intervention were considered useful and necessary for deliver information in a culturally sensitive context and for reducing drug use, social isolation and loneliness.

Chemsex is a phenomenon that needs a multidisciplinary approach, including individual and group therapy. Group therapy for problematic chemsex has several advantages over individual model treatments, including the reduction of sense of isolation, loneliness, information and feedback from peers. More research is needed to analyze the implementation and efficacy of group therapy for chemsex users in different contexts.

None Declared

Amphetamines may induce symptoms of psychosis very similar to those of acute schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. This has been an argument for using amphetamine-induced psychosis as a model for primary psychotic disorders. To distinguish the two types of psychosis on the basis of acute symptoms is difficult. However, acute psychosis induced by amphetamines seems to have a faster recovery and appears to resolve more completely compared to schizophrenic psychosis.

The objectives of this e-poster is to identify the pathophysiology of amphetamine-related psychiatric disorders and outline the available treatment and management options for amphetamine-related psychiatric disorders.

A bibliopgraphical review was performed using PubMed platform. All relevant articles were found using the keywords: psychotic episode, amphetamines, pathophysiology and menagement.

Amphetamines inhibit monoamine (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin) reuptake, leading to increased monoamine concentrations in the neuronal synapse. Amphetamines can also lead to increased monoamines in the cytosol by interactions with vesicular monoamine transporter 2. Dopamine and norepinephrine release in the nucleus accumbens results in a feeling of euphoria and a reward feedback loop, which may result in addiction. Studies also suggest increased dopaminergic pathways lead to glutamate excesses in the cerebral cortex, altering the function of cortical GABAergic neurons. This damage leads to dysregulation of glutamate in the cerebral cortex, a precursor to psychosis. Prior psychiatric studies have found that GABAergic cortical dysfunction seems to relate to schizophrenia. Generally, acutely agitated psychotic patients are treated with intravenous benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, or midazolam) as first-line agents. However, if a second-line agent is needed, antipsychotic medicines like risperidone, haloperidol, ziprasidone, and olanzapine have been successful in managing amphetamine-associated psychosis. Lipophilic beta-blockers, such as metoprolol and labetalol, have also been used successfully to resolve agitation and hyperadrenergic vital signs.

Compared to schizophrenic psychosis, amphetamine-induced acute psychosis induced appears to demonstrate a more rapid recovery. It also seems to resolve with substance abstinence; however, this recovery may be incomplete.

None Declared

Harmful alcohol consumption has significant cost on health and is associated with lower quality of life (e.g., Lu et al. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:789). In Singapore, a significant proportion of the adult population exhibit alcohol misuse behaviours (e.g., Lim et al. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:992). Many patients admitted into general hospitals have excessive alcohol consumption and related problems. These admissions can be an opportunity for intervention due to accessibility to the individuals and their time (Saitz et al. Ann Intern Med 2007; 146 167-176). Some studies have suggested that brief alcohol interventions (BAI) delivered in general hospitals can be effective in reducing alcohol use. However, there has been less support for the benefits of BAI on wellbeing.

This study investigated the effectiveness of BAI in improving perceived sense of wellbeing among male alcohol users admitted to a general hospital in Singapore.

108 male inpatients in various medical wards received BAI by the hospital’s addiction counsellors and completed the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) questionnaire. At a one-year follow-up via telephone, the PWI was again administered.

Average PWI scores were higher at follow-up (M = 7.83, SD = 1.16) than during baseline admission (M = 7.60, SD = 1.12), p < 0.01. Further analyses found that scores improved significantly on PWI items related to standard of living (M = 7.36, SD = 1.41 vs M = 7.09, SD = 1.65; p < 0.05), health (M = 7.42, SD = 1.74 vs M = 6.62, SD = 1.87; p < 0.01) and achievement (M = 7.43, SD = 1.44 vs M = 6.98, SD = 1.64; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in scores on the other PWI items between baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions: The results suggest that BAI can be beneficial in improving patients’ sense of wellbeing.

None Declared

Opioid dependence is a complex condition that often requires long-term treatment and care. Methadone, a synthetic full opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the opioid receptor, are most commonly used for substitution therapy of opioid dependence and typically administered orally as a liquid and sublingual tablets. Transition from methadone to sublingual buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal and is usually performed only in patients on low dose of methadone (<30-40 mg). Microdose induction is proposed as a possible solution to ease the transition to buprenorphine.

To present a rapid transition from methadone to sublingual buprenorphine and after that to buprenorphine depot.

A case report of a patient who was switched from methadone 60 mg to sublingual buprenorphine 8 mg using microdosing and after that switched to buprenorphine depo 16 mg weekly.

Patient was successfully switched to sublingual buprenorphine and after that to buprenorphine depot. The transition was complited without withdrawal simptoms.

This report supports the use of a microdose induction to initiate buprenorphine. Additionally, this approach may be significant for patients stabilized on high doses of methadone who may not be able to tolerate a traditional buprenorphine induction.

None Declared

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) has been associated in the literature with various psychiatric comorbidities and psychological risk factors, which indicates the need to screen these patients for multiple disorders. However, a clear protocol for the evaluation of individuals with an MPA does not yet exist, therefore, investigating the most prominent risks for comorbidities is considered necessary from the perspective of developing structured methods of assessment.

The main objective of this review was to determine the available existence able to describe the most common comorbidities in individuals presenting with MPA.

Data regarding MPA were collected from the main medical electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Clarivate/Web of Science), but also from other sources (main engines research and grey literature). All published papers between January 2000 and July 2023 were included in the primary selection, if they corresponded to the paradigm „mobile phone addiction”/”cell phone addiction”/”mobile phone dependence” and „comorbidity”/”dual diagnosis”.

Based on the review of six papers, the most frequently reported comorbidity in MPA patients were substance use disorders (mainly nicotine and cannabis) and other behavioral addictions (especially problematic Internet use). Other symptoms or syndromes reported in the literature as co-occurring with MPA were anxiety, depression, high levels of stress-related pathology, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, and somatization. Overall lower levels of mental health were reported in patients with MPA. A heterogeneity in the results of these epidemiological studies was observed because of the different instruments administered and the populations explored.

The screening for detection of comorbid disorders or psychological problems in patients with MPA is important because the case manager should integrate all this information into a therapeutic strategy.

None Declared

Although the research on behavioral addictions (BAs) is continuously developing, the awareness about this category of disorders and their important negative consequences still remains a problem for many physicians. This phenomenon is associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation, lack of valid epidemiological data about these pathologies, and overall lower quality of life in these patients.

The main objective of this study was to explore the awareness of GPs on the general diagnosis criteria of BAs.

An online questionnaire addressed to general practitioners (GPs) investigated the level of their knowledge regarding the main criteria for diagnosis in five more commonly reported BAs, i.e., gambling disorder, problematic Internet use, cell phone addiction, food addiction, and shopping addiction. The questionnaire included 50 items and required 20-25 minutes to complete. The answers were anonymized.

Answers from 12 GPs were analyzed, with an 80% completion rate. Gambling disorder was the only diagnosis recognized by all the respondents, followed by shopping addiction (50%) and abusive Internet use (33.3%). Lack of time to screen for these disorders was the most frequently invoked reason for not including instruments dedicated to BAs in the regular visits to the GPs. The Internet was admitted by all the respondents as their source of information about BAs.

There is an acute need to improve the knowledge of GPs about the existence and consequences of BAs in order to increase the probability of early detection and treatment initiation for these patients. It is expected that Internet-based campaigns for increasing GPs will benefit BAs patients in the long term.

None Declared

Following the pandemic, we can find many new communication situations. Social relationships have changed a lot and are developing differently due to digital development, new lifestyles, and the effects of COVID-19. These components: social media, the transformation of interpersonal relationships, and the use of the platforms provided by the internet can lead to addictive disorders as risk factors.

In this presentation, we review studies investigating the relationship between the new digital techniques, social connection, and communication development of adults with addictive disorders. We attempt to provide a summary of new theories and the areas currently being researched around the topic. Another aim of our research is to present the new drama-based therapy theories and methods in adults with addictive disorders.

To learn about recent international results, we conducted a literature search in 3 databases (PubMed, Medline, Web of Science) using the following keywords: drama therapy, addiction, emotion regulation, and adults, over the past 5 years. Empirical journal articles in English were used to prepare the literature review. Exclusion criteria were: the appearance publication before the year 2017 and the adolescent population.

Changes in social behavior, emotion regulation, and addictive disorder were correlated. The studies examined social communications and loneliness in primarily cross-sectional studies design. The escapism from interpersonal relations and low self-esteem is the highest motivation to start regular videogame playing or using social media without control which becomes an addictive disorder.

Problematic social media use and changes in social connection threaten adults’ mental health. The diagnosis of emotion dysregulation, low self-esteem, and social disconnection is the detection of risk factors for addictive disorders. The new methods and tools of drama-based therapy are new prevention possibilities for these risk factors. In this way, it is a relevant issue in the field of education science.

None Declared

Addiction medicine is becoming more of an issue as addiction-related problems continue to plague people all over the globe, resulting in serious health consequences. Addiction has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, as have addiction-related disorders. For efficient care and improved patient outcomes, this growing pandemic requires early and precise identification. In the field of addiction medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) looks to be a feasible tool. This systematic review examines the current state of research on the use of AI in addiction medicine, including a variety of AI techniques, their efficiency compared to conventional diagnostic methods, and their potential influence on addiction therapy. While AI has great potential for transforming addiction treatment, further research is needed to assess its use fully.

The objective of this review is to assess the current state of research on the use of artificial intelligence in addiction medicine, focusing on its diagnostic efficacy and potential for revolutionizing addiction therapy.

To evaluate the effectiveness of AI in addiction medicine, we conducted an extensive search of the PubMed database. Our search encompassed articles published in the English language from January 2013 to March 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies reporting the utilization of AI for addiction diagnosis in human patients.

The initial PubMed search produced 100 papers, of which 15 were included after meticulous analysis and screening. These studies assessed diverse types of data, including patient records and behavioral patterns, employing various AI techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning. The findings indicate that AI can accurately and swiftly identify addiction-related issues, boasting high sensitivity and specificity rates. Additionally, AI demonstrates potential in identifying specific addiction subtypes and forecasting patient outcomes. Nevertheless, these studies also underscore certain limitations of AI, such as the requirement for extensive data and susceptibility to overfitting.

Artificial intelligence holds the potential to revolutionize addiction medicine by enabling faster and more precise diagnostics, pinpointing specific addiction subtypes, and predicting patient outcomes. However, further research is imperative to validate AI’s efficacy across diverse patient populations and address challenges related to data accessibility, communication, and integration into clinical practice.

None Declared

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is distinguished by a pathognomonic cyclic pattern of hyperemesis characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting every few weeks to months, as well as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior, such as a proclivity to take frequent hot baths or showers. It is largely accepted as the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with estimates ranging from 42% to 46% lifetime consumption. Despite greater awareness of CHS, practitioners continue to lack comprehension, resulting in an unfortunate delay in patient identification and treatment.

The aim of this article is to bring attention to CHS in order to enable clinicians, and more specifically, addiction medicine specialists and psychiatrists, to diagnose it as quickly as possible and thus avoid unnecessary additional invasive examinations and investigations. This will save the patient’s time, prevent financial burdens and mental health stresses, and increase their overall quality of life.

A thorough screening and data extraction of the relevant articles was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. Databases were used to search for articles on CHS published between January 2021 and September 2023, yielding relevant articles. Keywords used were “hyperemesis”, “cyclical vomiting,” “cannabis” and “cannabinoid”.

We present a case of 20-year-old teens who came to emergency with severe dehydration and vomiting of more than 40 episodes at home. He had multiple admissions for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in the past and was evaluated and diagnosed with gastritis, PUD, and H. pylori infection. A more detailed medical history revealed a frequent use of cannabis over the past few years and symptoms manifestation and worsening is associated with the use of cannabis. After the complete cessation of cannabis, there have been no new symptomatic episodes reported in the patient and the patient is stable clinically.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a serious health hazard that requires immediate discovery and treatment. Despite the widespread use of cannabis, CHS is often misdiagnosed, resulting in unnecessary medical treatments and complications for patients. Given their special knowledge of linking chronic cannabis use to this syndrome, this case report and literature review highlight the critical role of addiction medicine experts and psychiatrists in quickly detecting and treating CHS. Early detection and treatment, particularly complete cannabis abstinence, are critical in alleviating symptoms, minimizing recurrent hospitalizations, and ultimately improving patients’ overall quality of life.

None Declared

Comorbidities in addiction: It is a rule rather than an exception. The story starts in childhood; even before, in infancy, may be in utero. The dimensional traits have been already there, existing obviously far before any DSM-5 diagnosis. Developmental qualities of stress sensitivity, impulsivity and emotion dysregulation are the leading ones. Besides, comorbidity research (NESARC being one of the prominents) (Hasin and Grant. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidem, 2015;50 (11): 1609-1640) addressed childhood abuse, neglect or other childhood adverse experiences as a definite risk factor for adolescence and adult mental disorders, particularly substance use disorders. Developmental and environmental adversities in a mutually amplifying pattern make a vicious cycle in which the individual finally finds an illusionary exit, a pathway to addiction.

This presentation aims to discuss the complexities and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a twenty five year follow-up, a survival period for the patient herself as well as for the therapeutic alliance (Ulug, Arch Neuropsychiatr, 2015;52: 213-215).

Case study: The history and the life chart of her, diagnosed as having at least seven DSM diagnoses, indicate the depth of pyschopathology and the intensity of interventions, most of which failed due to the lack of a transdiagnostic and holistic perspective. A specific focus of the case study will be on the problematic use of Borderline Personality Disorder formulation/diagnosis and its negative, somehow short-coming, impact on the treatment, course and recovery.

The challenges brought by comorbid transdiagnostic cases, similar to the subject of this presentation, have become a common practice for addiction professionals. While big data or empirical large datasets can have their own limitations to help the practitioner for overcoming such challenges, as stated in Stein’s article “it is important to recognize the value of a wide range of complementary research designs including the age-old single-case study, which may sometimes provide clinical insights that outweigh those from big data analyses.” (Stein et al. World Pychiatry, 2022; 21(3): 393-414).

The case study indicates the necessity for transdiagnostic and holistic approach in the management and long term treatment of such difficult-to-diagnose and difficult-to-treat patients.

None Declared

The mechanism of craving is not yet fully understood. It implies numerous factors contributing to the decisions an individual has to ponder when faced with a stimulus that has resemblance with the previous experiences related to it. Neural pathways implying the reward mechanism play a significant role in the interpretation of visual, auditory, olfactive stimuli, polarizing the perception towards positive or negative experiences with that substance of abuse.

In this study we focus on the cravings related to alcohol use, in a sample of patients admitted in hospital due to alcohol use disorder pathologies, providing the fact that Romania has the 2nd highest prevalence of heavy episodic drinking at least once a month (35% of adults, in a statistic published by Eurostat in 2019).

We included 30 patients with alcohol use disorder. The PACS (Penn Alcohol Craving Scale) was used to assess the severity of craving in the week prior to the hospital admission.Before visualising any alcohol related cues using VRET, patients will have a half hour of group therapy to lower levels of anxiety. Cortisol and blood sugar will be measured after this half hour to set a baseline . Afterwards, using VRET, subjects will be asked to watch a number of visual stimuli that will include cues to alcohol consumption and different types of beverages. Half hour after visualising cues of alcohol, the craving will be assessed by measuring blood sugar and salivary cortisol levels once again. Completing these measurement, patients will be asked to complete the PACS scale one more time to corelate the patients craving with the biological findings. Blood sugar levels will be measured with a blood glucose meter with test strips. Cortisol levels will be measured using salivary levels of cortisol. We choose measuring the salivary levels of cortisol, due to the fact that using this method, the biological active, free cortisol. Measurements of the serum cortisol indicate the total quantity, but not the biologically effective cortisol.

Visual stimuli of alcohol, with the help of VRET modifies the autonomous glucocorticoid secretion, and provide objective information complimentary to the each individual’s craving assessment

There are a great number of strong ties between alcoholic craving in patients and endogenous shifts in cortisol secretion. We aimed towards a better understanding on craving in patients hospitalised for AUD. Other directions for future research are to find out if it possible to consider craving a form of stress or if we could limit craving, by limiting stress.

None Declared

While research on drug use motives has primarily focused on widely used substances like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, understanding the motivations behind MDMA use is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic, preventive, and harm reduction strategies.

The objective of this study is to present the findings of an online survey that evaluates the motives behind the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and draws comparisons between these motives and those for alcohol and cannabis consumption.

Data were collected through an online survey, available in both English and French, with 99 participants. The survey included five sections, including a substance abuse screening test (ASSIST) and the Pahnke-Richards Mystical Experience Questionnaire. The primary focus was on motives for MDMA use, assessed using an adapted version of the Marijuana Motives Measure (MMM), comparing them with alcohol and cannabis motives.

The most reported motive for MDMA use was enhancement, followed by expansion motives. Social motives were the third most common, while coping motives ranked fourth, and conformity was the least common motive. Comparisons with alcohol and cannabis use motives revealed differences in motives for each substance. MDMA showed a unique pattern of motives.

Enhancement emerged as the most prevalent motive for MDMA use, consistent with previous research on MDMA motive use. Expansion motives, which involve altering perceptions and increasing self-awareness, ranked second, reflecting the growing interest in MDMA-assisted therapy for conditions like PTSD. Surprisingly, social motives were less common for MDMA compared to alcohol and cannabis, suggesting unique social dynamics associated with MDMA use. Conformity motives were also less significant for MDMA users, possibly due to the age of initiation and user maturity.

Understanding the motives behind MDMA use is essential for designing effective interventions and harm reduction strategies. The distinct motives for MDMA, as compared to alcohol and cannabis, highlight the need for tailored approaches to address its use. Further research should explore the complex interplay of motives, age of initiation, social context, and cultural factors to inform comprehensive strategies related to MDMA use.

None Declared

Kambó, also known as the “frog medicine,” is a traditional Amazonian medicine derived from the secretions of the Phyllomedusa bicolor tree frog. It has gained global attention for its purported therapeutic properties, including its use in addressing mental health issues. However, the psychiatric effects of kambó remain poorly understood, particularly concerning manic symptoms or psychosis.

The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the available literature regarding the connection between kambó use and psychosis or manic symptoms. Specifically, this review seeks to determine the prevalence of psychosis among kambó users, identify potential risk factors for the development of psychosis or manic symptoms in this context, explore the mechanisms underlying any observed psychiatric effects, and provide insights into the clinical implications of kambó use.

A case report of a 34-year-old man with chronic delusional disorder who presented to the emergency department with manic symptoms coinciding in time with the use of Kambó.

The findings of this bibliographical review suggest that there is limited empirical evidence to establish a direct link between kambó use and psychosis. Most available studies are anecdotal or based on qualitative reports, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions. While some case reports and interviews suggest that kambó use may be associated with transient psychotic-like symptoms, including visual and auditory hallucinations, more rigorous research is needed to confirm and characterize these effects. Several case reports and qualitative studies suggest that individuals who have undergone kambó ceremonies may experience transient manic-like symptoms, such as elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity. However, these reports lack systematic assessment and standardized measurement of manic symptoms. Mechanisms underlying these effects remain speculative, with some researchers proposing altered neurotransmitter systems as a potential explanation.

In conclusion, this review underscores the scarcity of scientific literature on the potential association between kambó use and psychosis or maniac symptoms. Although anecdotal reports and qualitative studies suggest a link, there is a notable lack of robust empirical research to support or refute this claim. Future research should focus on conducting controlled studies to elucidate the psychiatric effects of kambó, including its potential to induce psychosis and maniac symptoms, while also considering cultural and individual factors that may influence outcomes. Such research would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of kambó’s psychopharmacological profile and its implications for mental health.

None Declared

Nomophobia comes from the term “no-mobile-phone phobia” and describes the discomfort, stress, or anxiety caused by the absence of a cell phone or any other virtual communication device in individuals who use these devices frequently. Research, although scarce, points to a statistically significant relationship between nomophobia and psychological distress factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

To explore the relationship between nomophobia and psychological distress in a sample of young adults and adults

The sample was composed of 194 Portuguese subjects, aged between 18 and 30 years old (M = 22.08, DP = 2.89), who sulfilled a sociodeomographic questionnaire, and the Portuguese version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire, and of the Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale.

The entire sample showed some type of nomophobic symptomatology, specifically 59.3% (n = 106) had moderate nomophobia and 24.2% (n = 40) had severe nomophobia. Positive and statistically significant correlations, with strong magnitude, were found between nomophobia and anxiety (.46**), depression (.58**), and stress (.50**) subescales. Females presented significantly higher nomophobia levels (Md = 109.35) compared to males (Md = 71.66), U = 2480.50, p <.001, with an hight effect size (d =.69). A significant and negative correlation was found between nomophobia and age (.-.18*).

Nomophobia was present in all the sample, and it is related to psychological distress. Females and younger subjects presented higher nomophobia levels. Further studies are needed to clarify their etiology, but some preventive and remediative actions need to be developed in order to minimize its emergence and their negative psychological impact.

None Declared

Raging wildfires are rising in diverse areas, leading to significant environmental and psychological repercussions that are drawing growing concern.

This study seeks to assess the prevalence of likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and investigate the factors contributing to its occurrence amidst the wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Data were collected online through a cross-sectional survey from May 14 to June 23, 2023. Alberta and Nova Scotia participants self-subscribe to the program by texting ‘HopeAB’ or ‘HopeNS’ to a designated short code, respectively. The GAD-7 validated scale assessed likely GAD symptoms among the participants.

There were 298 respondents in this study, with a majority residing in Alberta/Nova Scotia areas affected by recent wildfires (62.3%). Among the respondents, 41.9% were likely to experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms. Those living in regions recently impacted by wildfires in Alberta/Nova Scotia were found to be twice as likely to have GAD symptoms, with an odds ratio of 2.4 and a confidence interval of 95% ranging from 1.3 to 4.3.

The study’s findings highlight a relationship between living in areas affected by wildfires and the likelihood of experiencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Exploring potential predictors through additional research could aid in developing strategies to alleviate the mental health impact of natural disasters.

None Declared