Somatic Health Problems Research Articles

Investigating the association between neuroticism and adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes

Neuroticism is not only associated with affective disorders but also with certain somatic health problems. However, studies assessing whether neuroticism is associated with adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes are scarce. This observational study comprises first-time mothers (n = 1969) with singleton pregnancies from several cohorts based in Uppsala, Sweden. To assess neuroticism-related personality, the Swedish universities Scales of Personality was used. Swedish national health registers were used to extract outcomes and confounders. In logistic regression models, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the outcomes by an increase of 63 units of neuroticism (equalling the interquartile range). Analyses were adjusted for maternal age, educational level, height, body mass index, year of delivery, smoking during pregnancy, involuntary childlessness, and psychiatric morbidity. Main outcomes were mode of delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, induction of delivery, prolonged delivery, severe lacerations, placental retention, postpartum haemorrhage, premature birth, infant born small or large for gestational age, and Apgar score. Neuroticism was not independently associated with adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes besides gestational diabetes. For future studies, models examining sub-components of neuroticism or pregnancy-specific anxiety are encouraged.

Worry Among Latinx Young Adults: Relations to Pain Experience, Pain-Related Anxiety, and Perceived Health.

Latinx are one of the largest and most rapidly growing segments of the United States (U.S.) population that is significantly impacted by health disparities, including somatic health problems. Young Latinx adults (ages 18-25years) are at a greater risk for being affected by such health inequalities and there is a need to understand individual-based differences that may contribute to and maintain somatic symptoms, including pain experience, pain beliefs, and perceptions of health. Thus, the current study investigated the explanatory role of worry in association between pain intensity, pain disability, pain-related anxiety, and perceived health among Latinx college students. Participants included 401 (Mage = 21years; SD = 2.02; 83% female) Latinx students at a large, southwestern university. Results indicated that greater levels of worry were related to increased levels of pain intensity, pain disability, pain-related anxiety, and lower levels of perceived health. These findings were evident above and beyond variance accounted for by gender, age, physical functioning, and subjective social status. Overall, the results from the present investigation suggest that there is greater risk for more severe pain experiences, maladaptive beliefs regarding pain, and worse perceptions of health status among Latinx young adults who experience elevated levels of worry.

Work-Related Health Problems Among Primary and Secondary School Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: It is generally assumed that teachers lead healthy lifestyles; meanwhile, due to their specific working conditions, they stand among occupational groups exposed to a wide variety of health hazards associated with their profession. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related health problems in the teaching profession of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 primary and secondary school teachers in Shiraz. The participants were chosen using a multi-stage sampling. On the basis of Subjective Health Complaints Inventory, a standard multi-section questionnaire was prepared for data collection. To analyze the data, chi-squared test was used in SPSS, version 19. Results: A total of 508 questionnaires were returned by the primary and secondary school teachers. The results showed that 94.7% (n = 468; 95% CI [91.5 - 95.8]) of the respondents suffered at least one type of the 38 single complaints during the previous 30 days. The 10 most frequently reported health complaints among the teachers were lower back pain, tiredness, leg pain, voice disorder, headache, neck pain, anxiety, shoulder pain, varicose veins of lower limbs, and sleep problems. The 5 most severe complaints were tiredness, leg pain, lower back pain, voice disorder, and headache. Conclusions: A wide variety of somatic health problems reported by studied teachers indicates the importance of preventive and rehabilitative measures rather than treatment. We hope that our results can raise the awareness of the government and respective organizations, such as the ministry of education to improve teachers’ working condition.

The menopause – a new chapter giving women a lust for life

Many women equate the word menopause primarily with decline of life. On the one hand, the aesthetic component of the delicate age makes negative contributions to the dissatisfaction with this state; on the other hand, the growing pool of somatic health problems does not improve the quality of life in the best way. The woman’s path of life is unique and consists of chapters of beginnings and endings, losses and gains. A person, who develops harmoniously and consistently, reaches their creative climax by the age of 50. This is the age, when a person is able to plunge into their inner world more deeply, and the perception of what is happening in the outer world weakens. Mental maturity, accumulated experience, well established social connections allow a person to feel confidently in everyday reality. However, the physiological changes associated with menopause and the reproductive function failure affect the personal history of each of the fair sex in one way or another. Not a simple, but at the same time a very significant period begins after 50 years, when it is necessary to conquer new peaks and overcome new distances. Only a thoughtful and successful start of menopause can provide a sense of satisfaction and a cloudless horizon in physical well-being.

Psychosocial factors, depression, and musculoskeletal disorders among teachers

BackgroundOne of the occupations that suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is the teaching profession. Although teachers are known to have a variety of health and safety issues, few studies have actually been published that relate to somatic health problems of teachers, especially studies conducted in Malaysia. From this viewpoint, it is clearly important to investigate psychosocial factors, and MSD with depression as mediator among school teachers.MethodsThe study aimed to determine the incidence of MSD for school teachers in 15 primary schools in Kuala Lumpur during a 6-month period. Secondly, the study also sought to examine the relationships between psychosocial factors, depression and MSD among teachers. Thirdly, the study aimed to explore depression as mediator. The hypothesis addressed by this cross-sectional study was that depression would prove to be a mediator for the psychosocial factors affecting MSD.ResultsThe incidence of MSD during the previous 6 months was 80.1% (95% CI: 75.8–84.2%), with 80.5% of female and 77.5% of male teachers reporting symptomatic pain during that period. There were significant relationships between psychosocial factors, depression, and MSD. The results indicated that in relation to psychosocial factors, depression (r = − 0.25, p < .01) and musculoskeletal disorder (r = −.17, p < .01) were both negative. In addition, depression was positively related to musculoskeletal disorder (r = .30, p < .01). Furthermore, depression appeared to have a partially mediating effect on the relationship between psychosocial factors and MSD.ConclusionsThe findings in this study demonstrate that psychosocial factors and depression are significant predictors of MSD among teachers. Recognizing the relationship between these variables will help in arranging, planning or actualizing preventive intervention programs for teachers with the hope of lessening the incidence of MSD. This study also provides awareness for teachers and the Malaysian Ministry of Education regarding the issues of MSD in the workplace.

Somatic health and its association with negative psychosocial factors in a sample of Moroccan adolescents.

Background:Adolescence is a distinct developmental phase characterized by multiple physical and psychological changes and by an increased vulnerability to somatic and mental health problems. These risk and vulnerability factors are part of a complex biopsychosocial matrix, encompassing multiple factors, such as inherited biological determinants and psychological, societal, and cultural influences, which affect an adolescent’s overall wellbeing. In Morocco, similar to other developing countries, adolescents (young people aged from 15 to 19 years) constitute a substantial proportion of the population (almost 9%). However, studies about adolescents’ health in developing countries are scarce. In this study, we describe adolescents’ somatic health in a sample of high school students from the city of Tetouan, Morocco, and investigate how negative psychosocial factors, such as parental alcohol use problems and/or the experience of abuse, may influence them.Methods:The study sample included 655 adolescents (315 boys and 340 girls, M = 16.64 years, range = 15–18 years) from conviniently selected classes of four high schools in the city of Tetouan in Morocco. The students responded to a survey that assessed the prevalence of somatic complaints/disorders. They also indicated whether they had ever experienced physical and/or psychological abuse and whether they had parents with alcohol use problems.Results:More than half of the adolescents suffered from headaches and one-third had substantial problems with diarrhea or constipation. Both problems were more common in female students. The third most frequent somatic problem, affecting one in four in both genders, was allergy. Almost one-third of Moroccan adolescents (significantly more boys than girls; p = 0.004) reported no somatic complaints. In adolescents who reported parental alcohol use problems and/or experience of physical and/or psychological abuse, the prevalence of several somatic complaints (epilepsy, migraine, headache, diarrhea/constipation, gluten intolerance, allergy, and skin or thyroid disease) increased highly significantly compared to the adolescents who reported no such psychosocial environmental factors.Conclusion:The results suggest that only 3 in 10 urban-living Moroccan adolescents are free of somatic complaints, while the majority suffer from some somatic problems, most often headaches and diarrhea/constipation. The association of certain negative psychosocial factors with adolescents’ somatic health suggests the need of a holistic approach to the treatment of affected adolescents.

Acute and long-term mental and physical sequelae in the aftermath of traumatic exposure - some remarks on "the body keeps the score".

Traumata, by definition, refer to exterior events that expose a person to experiences of overwhelming threat and catastrophe and elicit feelings of death anxiety, panic, horror, helplessness, loss of personal control, and intractability. Most affected persons respond with at least some distressing symptoms of trauma-related memory intrusions, autonomic hyperarousal, dissociation, and depression in the acute aftermath. Fortunately, the majority of traumatized individuals succeed in coping with this major stress quite well during the following weeks and months unless the process of recovery is hampered by additional adverse psychosocial circumstances, psychological disposition or biological vulnerability. In a subgroup of persons a transition to acute and posttraumatic stress disorder or other major psychiatric disorders, e.g. depressive, anxiety, substance-related disorders may be observed. Posttraumatic stress disorders very often run a chronic course of illness enduring for many years or even life-long. The typical course of illness in PTSD is characterized not only by major psychiatric comorbidities contributing to a dramatically reduced health-related quality of life, to many deficits of psychosocial adaptation and a heightened suicide risk. It is also associated with a lot of major somatic health problems both in acute and long-term stages. The main focus here is on this special dimension of physical comorbidities in posttraumatic disorders. Empirical evidence underscores that trauma exposure, and in particular PTSD is significantly associated with major physical health problems in addition to well-known PTSD-related psychological, behavioural, and psychosocial impairments. Both self-report-based and objective assessments emphasized significantly increased rates of somatoform/functional syndromes and physical comorbidities, premature all-cause and specific mortality rates, heightened medical utilization behaviours, major socioeconomic costs, and reduced health-related quality of life in the aftermath of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorders, thus defining a major challenge to any medical care system. Complex psycho-behavioural-somatic and somato-psycho-behavioural models are needed to better understand both acute and long-term effects of a perpetuating stress system on physical health.

The social and psychological health outcomes of team sport participation in adults: An integrative review of research

Aim: The aim of this article was to review the international scientific research literature about the social and psychological health outcomes associated with participation in team sport and to synthesise the key issues about team sport as a health-promoting activity. Methods: The methodological framework guiding the review process is the integrative research review. A search of 10 key electronic databases was conducted to identify both quantitative and qualitative studies addressing the social and/or psychological health outcomes from participation in a team sport. A total of 6,097 publications were identified and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: A wide range of different positive social, psychological, and psychosocial health outcomes associated with team sport participation were identified in the studies, with emotional social support, sense of belonging, higher self-esteem, social network, and social interaction being the most frequently reported health benefits. In addition, three key issues influencing the psychological and social health outcomes of team sport participation as a health-promoting activity were identified: (1) team sport versus individual sport, (2) competitive versus non-competitive structure, and (3) commitment and continuation. Conclusions: There is consistent evidence that participation in a team sport is associated with improved social and psychological health independent of the type of team sport, age, somatic, or mental health problems. The findings indicate that team sport could be more efficient in promoting health and ensuring exercise participation and continuation than individual sport. However, when utilising team sports for health purposes, precautions must be taken with regard to their inherent competitive nature.

Health, public sector service use and related costs of Swedish preschool children: results from the Children and Parents in Focus trial

Despite Sweden’s good child health statistics, data on the mental health and wellbeing of Swedish preschool children is scarce and not routinely collected in healthcare. The study aimed to: identify the proportion of preschool children with mental health and somatic problems, the public sector services used by these children and whether they differ by type of problems, investigate whether other factors affect service use, and estimate the costs associated with these services. This study used cross-sectional data on a sample of 3175 children aged 3–5 from the “Children and Parents in Focus trial”. Data on service use, child health and demographics were obtained from primary caregivers. Child mental health was assessed by both primary caregivers and teachers. 8.9% of the sample reported mental health problems, and approximately 1% had comorbid somatic and mental health problems. Over 50% of the preschoolers used any service, with school assistant being the most frequently used. The average annual cost per child, regardless of health status, was US$921, with 75% of the costs accruing at school. The presence of both somatic and mental health problems predicted higher service use, in particular extra services used at school and at home (mean annual cost US$13826 and US$1583, respectively). Children with comorbid problems accounted for the highest mean costs. Mental health problems among preschool children were particularly high compared to studies from other countries. There is a need to strengthen school mental health services to engage in proactive early identification of children with mental health problems so that appropriate care is provided.Trial registration number: ISRCTN16513449. Registered 23 July 2013.

Prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders of inpatients with psychiatric disorders

Sleep-related breathing disorders seriously impair well-being and increase the risk for relevant somatic and psychiatric disorders. Moreover, risk factors for sleep-related breathing disorders are highly prevalent in psychiatric patients. The aim of this study was for the first time in Germany to study the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as the most common form of sleep-related breathing disorder in patients with psychiatric disorders. In 10psychiatric hospitals in Germany and 1 hospital in Switzerland, atotal of 249 inpatients underwent an 8‑channel sleep polygraphy to investigate the prevalence of sleep apnea in this group of patients. With aconspicuous screening result of 23.7% of the subjects, a high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders was found to occur among this group of patients. Male gender, higher age and high body mass index (BMI) were identified as positive risk factors for the detection of OSAS. The high prevalence indicates that sleep apnea is acommon sleep disorder among psychiatric patients. Although OSAS can lead to substantial disorders of the mental state and when untreated is accompanied by serious somatic health problems, screening procedures are not part of the routine work-up in psychiatric hospitals; therefore, sleep apnea is presumably underdiagnosed in psychiatric patients. In view of the results of this and previous studies, this topic complex should be the subject of further research studies.

Zrozumieć aleksytymię

The main goal of this article is to present a specific personality disorder that manifests in disorders of cognitive processing and emotion regulation that is known as alexithymia. Alexithymia reduces the chances of high quality of life in the psychosomatic and social aspects. Empirical research has indicated correlates with certain personality traits that affect the quality of interpersonal relations, such as low extraversion, avoidance coping, low self-esteem, poor adaptive skills, predisposition for social isolation. In this review, relationship between alexithymia and somatic health problems is discussed, along with selected research on this subject. Alexithymia is considered a biological predisposition for personality disorders and functional mental disorders. The final part of the article contains recommendations on psychotherapeutic interactions, which should be directed at deepening the awareness of experienced emotional states and modifications of pattern of interpersonal behavior.

Common Sleep, Psychiatric, and Somatic Problems According to Work Schedule: an Internet Survey in an Eastern European Country.

A wide range of health problems was investigated, aiming to identify the presence and severity of a set of self-reported and common sleep, psychiatric, and somatic health problems among working professionals in four different shift schedules (morning, evening, rotating, and day) in several cities in Romania. A heterogeneous sample of 488 workers of different professions completed online a battery of tests, namely the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire, the Parasomnia Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire, designed to identity symptoms of insomnia, sleepiness, snoring, parasomnia, as well as of depression, anxiety, eating, somatoform, and alcohol use disorders, respectively. The timing and the duration of the sleep, along with the presence of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus were also inquired. The prevalence of the different health problems in relation to the type of shift schedule was evaluated with the Pearson Chi-square test. ANOVA was used to calculate the significance of the difference between the means, while associations with different health problems were estimated by binary logistic regression. The most common mental health problems were depression (26%), insomnia (20%), alcohol misuse (18%), and anxiety (17%). No significant differences based on the type of shift in terms of health problems were found, except for high blood pressure and symptoms of panic disorder that were more frequently reported by the workers in early morning shifts. Together with the workers in rotating shifts, they also reported increased sleepiness, poorer sleep quality, and shorter sleep duration. In contrast, the workers in evening shifts reported less severe health problems and longer sleep duration. Working in early morning shifts was found to be associated with poorer health outcomes, while working in rotating and early morning shifts with more severe sleep-related problems.

Specifics of adaptation capability of pediatric dentists with different psychological types in emotional stress conditions

High emotional pressure, experienced by pediatric dentists at work frequently leads to emotional exhaustion and distress. Disorders of adaptation mechanisms come out in length of time as somatic health problems. The intensity of adaptation system response significantly depends on psychological type of an exact individual. The article analyses numerical and qualitative indicators of health among pediatric dentists during their professional activity.

Gender Invariance and Psychometric Properties of the Nonproductive Thoughts Questionnaire for Children.

Perseverative cognitions-rumination and worry-can contribute to mental and somatic health problems in adolescence. Girls usually report stronger rumination or worry than boys even in earlier years across the development age spectrum. Our aim was to test the gender invariance and psychometric properties of the Nonproductive Thoughts Questionnaire for Children (NPTQ-C). Study 1 involved 1,572 students (mean age = 15.39 years, SD = 2.26; 49% boy) recruited representatively from local schools. We applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the measurement model of perseverative cognitions. The gender invariance of the measurement model and the convergent validity were analyzed as well with CFA with covariates model. The original one-factor structure of NPTQ-C was supported in our adolescent sample. Gender invariance was also confirmed. The NPTQ-C indicated high convergent validity: showing positive correlations with emotional instability and emotional symptoms. In Study 2 (385 students; mean age = 16.05; SD = 1.23; 34% boy), we tested the construct validity of NPTQ-C. The applied CFA with covariates model supported the construct validity. In summary, NPTQ-C proved to be a good instrument for measuring ruminative and worrying thoughts of adolescents, which reliably measures perseverative cognitions across genders.

Improving insomnia in primary care patients: A randomized controlled trial of nurse-led group treatment

BackgroundInsomnia is a common health problem, and most people who seek help for insomnia consult primary care. In primary care, insomnia treatment typically consists of hypnotic drugs, although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the recommended treatment. However, such treatment is currently available to few primary care patients. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a group treatment program for insomnia led by nurses in primary care. Outcomeswere the Insomnia Severity Index, a 2-week sleep diary, and a questionnaire on frequency of hypnotic drug use. DesignA randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-treatment assessment and a 1-year post-treatment follow-up of the intervention group. SettingsRoutine primary health care; 7 primary care centers in Stockholm, Sweden. ParticipantsPatients consulting primary care for insomnia were assessed for eligibility. To be included, patients had to have insomnia disorder and be 18 years or older. Patients were excluded if they if they worked night shifts or had severe untreated somatic and/or mental illness, bipolar disorder, or untreated sleep disorder other than insomnia. One-hundred and sixty-five patients 20 to 90 years were included. Most were women, and many had co-existing somatic and/or mental health problems. The post-treatment dropout rate was 20%. MethodsThe intervention was a nurse-led group treatment for insomnia based on the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. The nurses had 2days of training in how to deliver the program. Ninety patients were randomized to the intervention and 75 to the control group (treatment as usual). Data from 82 in the intervention and 71 in the control group were analyzed in accordance with intention-to-treat principles. Fifty-four of the 72 in the intervention group who participated in the group treatment program were followed up after 1year. ResultsMean Insomnia Severity Index score decreased significantly from 18.4 to 10.7 after group treatment but remained unchanged after treatment as usual (17.0 to 16.6). The effect size was large (1.23). Group treatment also resulted in significant improvements in all sleep diary variables (sleep onset latency, total sleep time, time awake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and sleep quality). It also reduced hypnotic drug use. Improvements were maintained 1-year post-treatment. ConclusionsPatients with insomnia can be treated successfully with a nurse-led group treatment program in primary health care. The results support implementation of the treatment program, particularly given the need for increased access to non-pharmacological insomnia treatments.

Prevalence and consequences of bullying: What could healthcare services do for intervention?

Bullying is the systematic abuse of power and defined as aggressive behavior or intentional harm doing by peers that is carried out repeatedly, and involves an imbalance of power between the victim and the bully. One in 3 children report having been bullied at some point in their lives, and 10 - 14% experience chronic bullying lasting for more than six months.Longitudinal research indicates that children who were victims of bullying are at higher risk for common somatic problems, internalizing problems and anxiety or depression disorder, psychotic symptoms and are at highly increased risk to self-harm or think about suicide in adolescence [1]. The mental health problems of victims and bully/victims remain in adulthood. Indeed, we showed that peer bullying in childhood has more adverse effects on diagnosed anxiety and depression disorders than being physically or sexually abused or neglected by parents. Victims also report to have more trouble with making or keeping friends in adulthood and were less likely to live with a partner and have social support. In contrast, bullies had no increased risk for any mental or general health problems, were healthier than their peers, emotionally and physically.Sadly, many bullied children suffer in silence. To prevent dropping out of school, violence against oneself (e.g. self-harm) and reduce mental and somatic health problems, it is imperative for health practitioners, families and schools to address bullying.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

Prevalence of Alexithymia among Undergraduates at BUITEMS

Alexithymia is a disorder or an inability of a person to express his or her feelings and emotions. It is the decreased capacity to comprehend feelings or sentiments in the self as well as of others. The current epidemiological investigations demonstrate that upwards of 10% of the overall public might be portrayed by stages of alexithymia that are sufficiently high to succeed as uncontrolled. Alexithymia is related to a variety of somatic and mental health problems including depression and anxiety, somatic complaints, hypertension, panic disorder, eating disorders, inflammatory bowel disease etc. Our results suggested that occurrence of alexithymia is more prevalent among males than females. Along these lines it is basic to report this issue among undergraduates since it may have aggravating impacts later on.

Manifestations and intensity of psychological stress of the family members of incurable cancer patients

The study has looked into the manifestations and intensity of psychological stress experienced by family members of incurable cancer patients. Of the surveyed family members 60.7% demonstrated adjustment disorders, which psychologically were manifest in threshold distress level and high psychological and social stress levels, as well as psychological pathologic symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity and somatic health problems. The psychological responses of the family members were directly linked to the patient’s condition, whereby changes in the somatic and psychological condition of the patient acted as “triggers” of psychological responses of the family members.

Measuring internet use: comparisons of different assessments and with internet addiction

Background: The measurement of Internet use is an under-documented topic despite the worldwide growth of problematic Internet use and the recent debate in addiction research suggesting that heavy use over time should be suitable for population-based assessment. This study compared different measures of Internet use to identify the most relevant one, and tested whether Internet use was a good proxy of self-reported Internet addiction.Methods: Data were collected in the ado@internet.ch study among 3054 Swiss 8th grade adolescents. Different assessments of Internet use (frequency, number of hours spent on Internet, quantity-frequency measure, latent score) were compared using rank invariance across instruments. We also examined associations of Internet use with health outcomes (Internet addiction, wellbeing, somatic health problems, and quantity of sleeping). Additionally, associations of Internet addiction with health outcomes were investigated.Results: Quantity-frequency captured 82% of the variability of average quantity and 64% of the variability of frequency, whereas the latent score captured respectively 94% and 52%. Regression models showed that frequency displayed the lowest associations with Internet addiction (b = 0.128) and wellbeing (b=−0.038). The associations of other Internet use measures were very similar. Associations of Internet addiction with wellbeing were higher than those of Internet use with wellbeing, whereas the other associations were similar.Conclusions: The quantity-frequency appeared as the most reliable and straightforward measure of Internet use. However, Internet use seemed to be only one factor in Internet addiction. This study was a first step toward proposing a unique relevant tool of Internet use in epidemiological research.

Cocaine - Characteristics and addiction

Cocaine use leads to health, social and legal problems. The aim of this paper is to discuss cocaine action, addicts characteristics, use patterns and consequences, as well as addiction treatment methods. A literature review was based on the Medline, PubMed, Polish Medical Bibliography databases and the Silesian Library resources. The Police and Central Statistical Office statistics, as well as the World Health Organization, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the National Office for Combating Drug Addiction reports were used. Cocaine leads to mood improvement, appetite decrease, physical and intellectual activity enhancement, euphoria, inflated self-esteem, social networking ease and increased sexual desire. Cocaine hydrochloride is mainly used intranasaly, but also as intravenous and subcutaneous injections. Cocaine use and first addiction treatment fall in later age compared to other psychoactive substances. There is a high men to women ratio among addicts. There is a relationship between cocaine addiction, the presence of other disorders and genetic predisposition to addiction development. Polish reports indicate higher popularity of cocaine among people with a high economic and social status. Although Poland is a country with the low percentage of cocaine use, its popularity is growing. The consequences of cocaine use concern somatic and mental health problems, socioeconomic and legal conditions. The drug plays a role in crimes and traffic accidents. Because of the risks associated with cocaine use, it has been listed in a register of drugs attached to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction. Addiction treatment includes psychological, pharmacological and harm reduction strategies. Med Pr 2016;67(4):537-544.