Adverse psychiatric effects associated with herbal weight-loss products

Date of Acceptance: 02/08/2015. Copyright © 2015 F. Saverio Bersani et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly citedObesity and overeating are among the most prevalent health concerns worldwide and individuals are increasingly using performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as an easy and fast way to control their weight. Among these, herbal weight-loss products (HWLPs) often attract users due to their health claims, assumed safety, easy availability, affordable price, extensive marketing, and the perceived lack of need for professional oversight. Reports suggest that certain HWLPs may lead to onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disturbances. Here we review the available evidence on psychiatric adverse effects of HWLPs due to their intrinsic toxicity and potential for interaction with psychiatric medicationsPeer reviewe

25C-NBOMe: Preliminary Data on Pharmacology, Psychoactive Effects, and Toxicity of a New Potent and Dangerous Hallucinogenic Drug

Introduction. The use of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) has rapidly increased as well as their online availability. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the nature and the risks associated with 25C-NBOMe, which has recently appeared in the drug market. Methods. A systematic analysis of the scientific literature and a qualitative assessment of online and media resources (e.g., e-newsgroups, chat-rooms, and e-newsletters) in 10 languages were carried out. Results. 25C-NBOMe is sold online as legal LSD or as research chemical with different designations such as "Boom, " "Pandora, " "Holland film, " or "N-bomb. " It is a partial agonist of 5-HT2A receptors. It is usually ingested orally/sublingually and, less commonly, nasally, through injection, vaginally, rectally, and smoked. Its effects include sublingual numbing, stimulation, "body high, " hallucinations, dissociation, and anxiety. 25C-NBOMe presents high risk of overdoses; acute toxicity and fatalities have been reported. Conclusions. 25C-NBOMe consumption represents an emerging phenomenon with potential harmful effects. Its use is increased by its online availability at low costs. Health and other professionals should be informed about this new trend of substance use

GENERALIZED AND SPECIFIC EMOTION IMPAIRMENTS AS POTENTIAL MARKERS OF SEVERITY IN OBSESSIVECOMPULSIVE DISORDER: A PRELIMINARY STUDY USING FACIAL ACTION CODING SYSTEM (FACS)

Background: The role of emotional deficits in the poor outcomes of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been emphasized. Generalized and specific emotional abnormalities have been reported, often related to OCD severity and functional disabilities. The objective of the present study was to assess the abilities of experiencing and displaying emotions in OCD patients in response to specific stimuli in relation with the severity of their clinical condition. Subjects and methods: Thirty-six individuals participated in the study: 10 OCD patients with severe symptoms, 11 with mildmoderate symptoms, and 15 healthy controls. All participants watched emotion-eliciting video clips while their facial activity was videotaped. The congruent/incongruent feeling of emotions and the facial expression in reaction to emotions were evaluated. Results: The two subgroups of OCD patients presented similarly incongruent emotive feelings and facial expressions (significantly worse than healthy participants). Moreover, OCD patients with severe symptoms expressed the emotion of happiness and disgust significantly less appropriately than OCD patients with mild-moderate symptoms. Conclusions: The present data support the hypothesis that impaired emotional processing may: (i) represent a potential contributor to poor outcome in OCD; (ii) constitute a warning sign for clinicians to establish a more comprehensive protocol for more severe cases; (iii) influence therapeutic strategies used to treat this disorder

GENERALIZED AND SPECIFIC EMOTION IMPAIRMENTS AS POTENTIAL MARKERS OF SEVERITY IN OBSESSIVECOMPULSIVE DISORDER: A PRELIMINARY STUDY USING FACIAL ACTION CODING SYSTEM (FACS)

Background: The role of emotional deficits in the poor outcomes of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been emphasized. Generalized and specific emotional abnormalities have been reported, often related to OCD severity and functional disabilities. The objective of the present study was to assess the abilities of experiencing and displaying emotions in OCD patients in response to specific stimuli in relation with the severity of their clinical condition. Subjects and methods: Thirty-six individuals participated in the study: 10 OCD patients with severe symptoms, 11 with mildmoderate symptoms, and 15 healthy controls. All participants watched emotion-eliciting video clips while their facial activity was videotaped. The congruent/incongruent feeling of emotions and the facial expression in reaction to emotions were evaluated. Results: The two subgroups of OCD patients presented similarly incongruent emotive feelings and facial expressions (significantly worse than healthy participants). Moreover, OCD patients with severe symptoms expressed the emotion of happiness and disgust significantly less appropriately than OCD patients with mild-moderate symptoms. Conclusions: The present data support the hypothesis that impaired emotional processing may: (i) represent a potential contributor to poor outcome in OCD; (ii) constitute a warning sign for clinicians to establish a more comprehensive protocol for more severe cases; (iii) influence therapeutic strategies used to treat this disorder