Use of novel psychoactive substances and induced psychiatric symptoms: Outcomes from the Eivissa Project

Abstract

IntroductionPolydrug abuse seems to be especially popular in Ibiza, an important market for new psychoactive substances (NPS). The misuse of psychoactive substances can lead to serious psychiatric symptoms.AimsTo evaluate symptoms induced by NPSs and other club drugs, correlating with the main classes of drugs.MethodsNinety subjects (M/F 59/31) admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Can Misses Hospital (Ibiza) referring a recent intake of substances were enrolled. The following scales were administered: TLFB (Timeline follow-back); Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS); Symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) ; Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) ; Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D); Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A); Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS); Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).ResultsPolydrug abuse was reported by 67.4% of the sample; the sample was grouped by the main preferred substance in THC-, stimulants-, and depressors-users. The majority of patients reported a previous psychiatric history. Positive symptoms resulted to be higher among THC-users (P < .05). Anxiety evaluated by SCL-90 was prevalent in the group of Depressors-users (P < .05). The scores of MOAS and SCL-90 subscale for hostility/aggression resulted to be significantly (P < .01) greater in the THC-users group.ConclusionsSome specific psychiatric symptoms are characteristic of some classes of substances and may help to identify them when a urine sample is not available. The possibility to develop psychiatric symptoms after a recent drug use is more common in two situations: (1) patients with a previous psychiatric history; (2) subjects with a history of very strong substance use.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.