Prevalence and Correlates of Insomnia in a Polish Sample of Alcohol‐Dependent Patients

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/93735/1/acer1771.pd

Wpływ leczenia substytucyjnego na funkcjonowanie społeczne i stan zdrowia osób uzależnionych od opioidów

INTRODUCTION: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is considered the most effective approach for opioid dependence. It improves social and health condition, especially in the first period of the treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the MMT on the quality of life of opioid-dependent individuals in subsequent treatment periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the phase I of this longitudinal study, 240 patients treated in MMT were included. The average time of the MMT at baseline was one and a half years. The participants were re-interviewed at 6-month follow up. Self-reported questionnaire and standardized measures were used to compare social and clinical characteristics observed in the first and second stage of the study. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow up, increased employment rates (p = 0.008) and decreased criminality (p < 0.0001) were observed. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001) and sleep problems (p = 0.021) declined significantly during the follow-up period. High rate of alcohol relapse was noted (46%). The majority of the participants were satisfied with their treatment (70.6%). CONCLUSIONS: MMT is associated with improved quality of life of the opioid–dependent individuals not only in the first, but also in the subsequent periods of the therapy.WSTĘP: Leczenie substytucyjne jest najbardziej skutecznym postępowaniem w przypadku uzależnienia od opioidów. Wiąże się z poprawą funkcjonowania społecznego i zdrowotnego pacjentów, zwłaszcza w pierwszym okresie terapii. Celem prezentowanego badania była ocena wpływu leczenia w programie metadonowym na jakość życia osób uzależnionych od opioidów w kolejnych okresach leczenia. MATERIAŁ I METODY: Badanie miało charakter prospektywny. I faza projektu obejmowała 240 pacjentów leczonych w programie metadonowym. Średni czas trwania dotychczasowej terapii substytucyjnej na początku badania wynosił półtora roku. Po sześciu miesiącach przeprowadzono ponowne badanie. Stosując kwestionariusz samooceny i skale kliniczne, porównywano zmienne charakteryzujące funkcjonowanie pacjentów obserwowane na I i II etapie badania. WYNIKI: Po półrocznym okresie terapii substytucyjnej zwiększyła się aktywność zawodowa pacjentów (p = 0,008) przy jednoczesnym zmniejszeniu się przestępczości (p < 0,0001). Poprawił się stan psychiczny badanych w zakresie objawów depresyjnych (p < 0,0001) i zaburzeń snu (p = 0,021). Pacjenci często łamali abstynencję w okresie obserwacji, zwłaszcza nadużywając alkoholu (46%). Większość pacjentów pozytywnie oceniała swoje leczenie (70,6%). WNIOSKI: Leczenie substytucyjne wiąże się z poprawą jakości życia osób uzależnionych od opioidów nie tylko w pierwszych, ale także w kolejnych okresach terapii

Effect of an 1800 MHz electromagnetic field emitted during embryogenesis on the blood picture of one-day-old domestic hen chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Exposure to artificial electromagnetic fields emitted mainly by mobile telephony has been steadily increasing with the development of modern technology. Haematological indices are among the most common indicators of the body’s physiological status. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of an 1800 MHz electromagnetic field emission on the blood picture of one-day-old domestic hen chicks. During the experiment, chick embryos were exposed to artificial electromagnetic fields throughout incubation for 13 ´ 2 min/day, 4 ´ 10 min/day and 1 ´ 40 min/day. After hatching, blood was collected from 10 one-day-old chicks from each group to determine: red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and leukocyte differential count. In addition, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was calculated. The present study is probably the first to show an increase in the red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, white blood cell count, segmented heterophils and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, and a decrease in lymphocyte percentage of embryos exposed to an 1800 MHz electromagnetic field. The observed changes may be indicative of the stress-inducing effect of EMF on living organisms

Risk factors of suicidal behavior in alcohol-dependent individuals

Problem zachowań samobójczych związanych z zaburzeniami psychicznymi jest od lat przedmiotem wielu badań. Jako grupy najwyższego ryzyka najczęściej są wymieniani pacjenci z zaburzeniami afektywnymi. Istnieją jednak wyniki badań sugerujące, że osoby uzależnione od alkoholu mogą być bardziej obciążone ryzykiem samobójstwa niż chorzy na depresję. Poszukiwanie czynników sprzyjających decyzjom samobójczym w tej grupie pacjentów jest zatem niezwykle ważne. Istotny wpływ na prawdopodobieństwo podjęcia zachowań samobójczych mają czynniki demograficzne, psychopatologiczne, psychologiczne, społeczne, rodzinne, biologiczne i genetyczne, a także związane ze stanem somatycznym pacjentów oraz przebiegiem uzależnienia od alkoholu i jego leczenia. W pracy dokonano przeglądu aktualnych badań oceniających poszczególne grupy czynników ryzyka zachowań samobójczych u osób uzależnionych od alkoholu. Psychiatria 2011; 8, 1: 7–17The problem of suicidal behavior related to psychiatric disorders has been investigated in numerous studies. As well known, patients with affective disorders are the group with the highest risk of suicide. Nevertheless, there is some research studies suggesting that alcohol dependence may increase risk of suicide, even larger than depression. Thus, investigating risk factors of suicide among alcoholics has become very important. There are several areas, which have been indicated as essential for risk of suicide in alcohol dependence, including demographic, psychopathological, psychological, social, family, biological, and genetic factors as well as health- -related, or history of abuse and its treatment. In the paper, current research studies on risk factors of suicide behavior in alcohol dependence are reviewed. Psychiatry 2011; 8, 1: 7–1

Substance use disorders and COVID-19: reflections on international research and practice changes during the “poly-crisis”

Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately high toll on vulnerable populations, coinciding with increased prevalence of alcohol-and drug-related deaths and pre-existing societal issues such as rising income inequality and homelessness. This poly-crisis has posed unique challenges to service delivery for people with substance use disorders, and innovative approaches have emerged. In this Perspectives paper we reflect on the poly-crisis and the changes to research and practice for those experiencing substance use disorders, following work undertaken as part of the InterGLAM project (part of the 2022. Lisbon Addictions conference). The authors, who were part of an InterGLAM working group, identified a range of creative and novel responses by gathering information from conference attendees about COVID-19-related changes to substance use disorder treatment in their countries. In this paper we describe these responses across a range of countries, focusing on changes to telehealth, provision of medications for opioid use disorder and alcohol harm reduction, as well as changes to how research was conducted. Implications include better equity in access to technology and secure data systems; increased prescribed safer supply in countries where this currently does not exist; flexible provision of medication for opioid use disorder; scale up of alcohol harm reduction for people with alcohol use disorders; greater involvement of people with lived/living experience in research; and additional support for research in low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the addictions field and there are lessons for ongoing and emerging crises

Melatonin – the New Multipotential Drug of the Future?

Introduction: Melatonin is a well-known drug and dietary supplement that is steadily growing in popularity on the pharmaceutical market. This indolamine, which has been known for more than 50 years, is produced by the pineal gland depending on the circadian rhythm. Also referred to as the "darkness hormone" and secreted mainly during nighttime hours, it is primarily associated with the treatment of sleep-wake rhythm disorders or disorders associated with sudden shifting time zones (jet lag). However, many scientific studies have shown that melatonin has multidirectional effects. It is used both as a chronobiotic, i.e., a drug that regulates circadian rhythms, as well as having anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-carcinogenic properties, regulating mitochondrial function, and affecting many systems and organs, keeping the organism in a state of homeostasis. Purpose: This review article aims to provide an overview of the mechanism of action of melatonin, its current indications in clinical practice, and potential future directions for therapy use.   Materials and methods: A summary of reports available in publications and scientific studies posted in medical information databases: Pubmed, CrossRef, Google Scholar, and book positions. Results: The pleiotropic effect of melatonin can be used as an supportive drug in the treatment of sleep disorders, disorders of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal system, and many oncological diseases. Conclusions: Despite a number of important reports on the positive effects of melatonin in the treatment of disorders in many areas of medicine, it is necessary to deepen research with its participation and the emergence of recommendations for its use in order to safely introduce the drug into common clinical practice

Sudden cardiac death in athletes – can we prevent it?

Introduction and purpose: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rare condition, however it is the leading medical cause of death in population of athletes. This study reviews the epidemiology and common causes of SCD in this group. The literature on the role of pre-participation screening and of the other preventive measures was also reviewed. Review methods: A review of the available literature on sudden cardiac death in athletes was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Description of the state of knowledge: SCD is the leading cause of death in athletes. However, the incidence is difficult to estimate and varies in different populations. The etiology is age-dependent, in young individuals the most common cause of sudden cardiac death are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital coronary artery anomalies. In the older athlete population (over 35 years old) atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the main cause. Screening process varies between countries and besides taking the medical history and physical examination can involve electrocardiogram, echocardiography and other examinations. Conclusions: A review of the following studies has shown, that pre-participation screening of athletes may help to reduce the incidence of sudden death. Equal focus should be put on the availability of medical facilities during sports events, including experienced medical team and access to automated external defibrillation

An association between genetic variation in the glutamatergic system and suicide attempts in alcoholâ dependent individuals

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138265/1/ajad12571_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138265/2/ajad12571.pd