Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an under-diagnosed disease. Screening for this disease, assessing quality of life and combating smoking are key factors in the overall management of this pathology.

Our study aims to assess the effect of COPD on quality of life in smoking electrical technicians and their motivation to quit smoking.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey to assess the impact of COPD on quality of life among smoking electrical technicians and their motivation to quit smoking. A questionnaire was administered during a COPD screening day. Smoking cessation motivation was assessed using the Richmond questionnaire. COPD screening was carried out using COPD screening self-questionnaire from the French National Authority for Health. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was used to determine the presence and severity of respiratory symptoms.

Our population comprised 24 male smokers. Motivation to quit smoking was low in half of the participants. Eleven participants (45.8%) were identified as being “at risk” of developing COPD. Cough, sputum and chest tightness were more frequent in participants at risk of developing COPD than in those not at risk, with a significant difference. The mean CAT score in participants at risk of developing COPD was 12.2 ± 9.7. The impact on quality of life in participants at risk of developing COPD was low and moderate to high in 45.5% and 54.6% of participants respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that motivation to quit smoking was not correlated with either the COPD self-screening score or participants’ quality of life.

COPD impairs the quality of life of workers at the electricity and gas company. Training sessions on breathing and anti-smoking actions in the electricity and gas company must be directed towards smoking employees by ensuring comprehensive management will serve to prevent the onset of COPD.

None Declared

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and under-diagnosed disease. Screening for this disease and assessing smoking behaviour are essential to tobacco control measures.

Our study aims to screen for smoking and COPD among employees of an electricity and gas company.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey to screen for smoking and COPD among employees of an electricity and gas company. The survey was carried out during a COPD screening day, using a two-part questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test. COPD screening was carried out using a COPD screening self-questionnaire from the French National Authority for Health.

Our population comprised 28 male participants. Active smoking was reported by 87.7% of participants. Nicotine dependence assessed by the Fagerström test was moderate to high in 54.7% of smokers. We found that 11 participants (39.2%), were identified as being “at risk” of developing COPD. Bivariate analysis showed that the COPD self-screening questionnaire score was associated with smoking and nicotine dependence.

COPD and smoking among workers are prevalent in the electricity and gas company. Through this awareness-raising day, an action plan had prioritized anti-smoking programs directed at smoking employees to ensure their comprehensive care and prevent the onset of COPD.

None Declared

Implants and injectable medications have been utilized frequently in the treatment of opioid use disorder, along with other treatment approaches like orally consumed opioid agonist treatment or antagonist treatment, and psychotherapeutic interventions. The overall use of implants and injectable medications in the Indian healthcare landscape is low.

The study aimed to assess the acceptability of implants and injectable among treatment options among patients with opioid use disorders.

A cross sectional survey was conducted among patients with opioid use disorders. They were shown a pre-recorded video explaining the various treatment options for opioid use disorder, and their acceptability of treatment was recorded.

Among the 150 included patients, 26 (17.3%) were willing for naltrexone depots, 11 (7.3%) were willing for naltrexone implants, and 10 (6.7%) were willing for buprenorphine injection. Compared to this, patients were more willing for buprenorphine sublingual (n = 105, 70%), tramadol oral (n = 89, 59.3%), and naltrexone oral (n = 43, 28.7%) formulations. Willingness for counselling or psychotherapy was expressed by 34 patients (22.7%), and for engagement with narcotics anonymous by 20 patients (13.3%).

While implants and injectable may be a viable option for many patients with opioid use disorder, it may have limited acceptability among the range of therapeutic options available. Collaborative decision making may be useful considering patient’s preferences for aligning goals of treatment team and the patient.

None Declared

Methadone is typically administered as a racemic mixture of two enantiomers (50% Dextro, 50% Levo methadone) and is used for chronic pain management and as maintenance therapy for opioid dependence. Levomethadone, when used alone, shows similar efficacy but with fewer side effects, particularly a safer cardiac profile with less QTc prolongation. In maintenance therapy for heroin dependence, the effective dosage of levomethadone ranges from 40 to 70 mg per day.

Our case concerns a 42-year-old patient who has struggled with substance abuse since the age of 17. Admitted to the Psychiatric Unit of Cesena Hospital for a reduction of Lormetazepam (previously consuming 80-100 mg/day), he was found to be taking 200 mg of levomethadone daily. This dosage is typically administered for pain management rather than as maintenance therapy for heroin dependence. Although the man was consistently consuming high doses of psychoactive medications, exceeding the ranges commonly reported in the literature, he did not exhibit significant adverse effects or signs of sedation during his hospital stay. This observation led us to consider the possibility of a genetic alteration in cytochrome enzymes that could enable ultra-rapid drug metabolism.

During the hospital stay, it was possible to safely reduce the benzodiazepine therapy by switching from oral lormetazepam to intravenous diazepam and subsequently to oral diazepam.The patient also underwent a pharmacogenetic test that analyzes the polymorphisms of 60 different enzymes using cells obtained from saliva.

In the reported case, the use of L-Methadone has allowed over the years a full control of withdrawal symptoms and cravings from opioid drugs, a greater compliance with treatment and a lower risk of general and cardiological side effects than racemic methadone administered in equivalent therapeutic doses in past years.

It has also been made possible, through in-patient treatment, to carry out a progressive withdrawal from Lormetazepam in total safety.

Pharmacogenetic testing targeting CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes did not reveal significant alterations, contradicting our initial hypothesis.

The originality of this case is basically due to the lack in the literature about clinical cases treated with such a high dose of Levomethadone (200 mg/day) as substitution therapy for opioid addiction and to the investigation of the salivary pharmacogenetic testing to eventually support the hypothesis that the patient could be a rapid or ultrarapid metabolizer.

Moreover, we have sought to clarify the correct use of levomethadone in individuals at high risk of death due to conditions that may increase the risk of Torsades de Pointes.

The pharmacogenetic analysis excluded rapid metabolism, suggesting a role for P-glycoprotein (PGP) in influencing the absorption of methadone and the variability of plasma concentration.

None Declared

Research suggests that the gender gap in alcohol (Alc.) consumption may be narrowing, with increasing consumption by the female population. For women, the equivalent of 20-25 grams/day is considered harmful consumption. Many of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption occur more rapidly and more severely in women, yet the majority do not seek treatment

To describe the prevalence of harmful use of alcohol in women admitted to hospital for other mental illness.

Retrospective observational study of six months duration. Data was collected from all patients admitted to the hospital during the period of study, with no specific exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics were performed.

During the study period, 312 patients were admitted to the hospital, 52.8% of whom were women, 21.8% of whom had a harmful use of Alc. The prevalence of harmful Alc. use in the different mental illnesses was: 22.2% in schizophrenia or other psychoses, 13.9% in bipolar affective disorder, 11.1% in depressive disorder, 13.9% in personality disorder, 19.4% in substance use disorder, 13.9% for other diagnoses and a prevalence of 5.56% for those of unknown diagnosis

In recent years, it has been shown that the overall prevalence of harmful alcohol use and alcohol use disorder has increased in women. They tend to seek care in settings where their alcohol problems may not be recognised. They have lower social support for treatment participation and greater barriers to accessing treatment, resulting in even higher rates of co-occurring medical and mental health problems. Prevention strategies and intervention programmes should be adapted to the specific needs of women, taking into account both individual risk factors and socio-cultural contexts

None Declared

The use of stimulants such as amphetamines, cocaine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine is associated with various mental disorders, including psychoses. These psychotic states can closely resemble the symptoms of schizophrenia, leading to potential misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, and the assignment of disability status for perceived schizophrenia.

Research indicates that stimulant use can trigger psychoses with characteristics similar to those seen in schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Investigate the clinical characteristics of stimulant-induced psychoses among patients with stimulant-positive rapid urine test (cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, cathinone group) in the Daugavpils Psychoneurological Hospital and the narcology ward of the Daugavpils Regional Hospital.

Assess the clinical presentation of these psychoses in comparison to schizophrenia using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), as a validated instrument for evaluating schizophrenia symptoms.

Analyze the data from cases with stimulant-positive rapid urine test and PANSS compare with other research PANSS data in pure schizophrenia psychosis cases.

1. Data Collection: The study involve participants diagnosed with stimulant-induced psychosis. Data collection will include gathering medical histories with positive stimulant induced psychosis of schizophrenia and stimulant use diagnosis (by ICD-10 F14.5, F15.5, F20+F14/F15) conducting new patient clinical interviews using PANSS, and performing rapid drug urine tests. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale will be utilized to quantitatively assess the severity and nature of the participants’ symptoms.

PANSS Scale

Clinically available rapid urine test (MultiDrug Test ect.).

Data Analysis: Clinical data comparisons will be performed using statistical methods.

The comparison of PANSS scores between patients with stimulant-induced psychosis (n=46) and schizophrenia (n=80) is expected to reveal distinct patterns. Patients with stimulant-induced psychosis are likely to exhibit higher scores on the positive symptoms subscale (84%) than in negative (31%), reflecting the more pronounced acute psychotic symptoms triggered by substance use.

In contrast, patients with schizophrenia may exhibit a more balanced profile, with significant impairments in both positive (72%) and negative symptoms (80%).

The clinical presentation of stimulant-induced psychoses can closely resemble that of schizophrenia, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study highlights the differences in PANSS profiles between the two conditions, which can aid clinicians in the differential diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. As well it uncovers the significant impact of rapid urine drug tests in clinical routine.

None Declared

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur, and their combination presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to the complex interaction between trauma-related symptoms and substance misuse behaviors.

This review aims to explore the pharmacological and psychosocial interventions conducted in comorbid PTSD and SUDs. It specifically focuses on which interventions are effective in addressing substance use as opposed to post-traumatic symptoms in patients with these concurrent conditions.

Narrative literature review by performing a search on MedLine for English-written articles. The following search terms were used: ((“posttraumatic stress disorder”) AND (“substance use disorder” OR “alcohol use” OR “cannabis use” OR “cocaine use” OR “opioids use”) AND ((“treatment”) OR (“adherence”))).

Studies show that 46,4% of individuals meeting the criteria for PTSD also meet the criteria for an SUD, with an additional correlation between PTSD symptomatology and an increased substance use frequency and associated heightened risk of other mental health concerns, suicidality, mortality, and functional impairment. Within treatment-seeking samples, patients with PTSD are approximately 14 times more likely to meet the criteria for a SUD than patients without PTSD, with alcohol and cannabis as the most frequent substances involved. In clinical settings, management involves employing treatment strategies effective for each condition independently. The literature is not uniform regarding the impact of substance consumption in the treatment of PTSD, although it suggests a greater impact of alcohol when compared to other substances, in which studies are relatively uniform in highlighting a minor effect. Despite this minor effect, literature advances neurocognitive impairments and higher psychosocial stressors (legal issues, financial challenges, unemployment, housing instability, and a decline in social support) as potential causes leading to poorer outcomes. Despite this, there seems to be consensus on the fact that SUD was associated with the highest rate of discontinuation from both psychotherapy and medication treatment for PTSD.

Concurrent PTSD and SUD present complex clinical challenges requiring integrated treatment approaches addressing both trauma-related symptoms and substance use behaviors. This narrative review underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment, evidence-based interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration in facilitating recovery and improving functional outcomes.

None Declared

The increasing integration of the Internet into daily life has raised numerous concerns, including the risk of addiction. This addiction may be influenced by sociodemographic factors.

Determinate the prevalence of Internet addiction among adolescents and examine the effect of sociodemographic factors on Internet addiction.

This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical aim in the Oued eddahab high school in the city of Tiflet of the Khemisset provincial direction, including 378 students (239 girls and 139 boys), the average age of the participants is 17.0.8±1.28 years. The Students were asked to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire and an internet addiction test (IAT) consisting of 20 items to determine the level of addiction.

The prevalence of Internet addiction among students is 55.6%. The addiction of these students is highly significantly related (χ2=22.893, p<0.001) to conflicts with their mothers. While conflicts with their fathers are highly significantly related (χ2=12.961, p<0.01) to Internet addiction. However, conflicts between parents have a highly significant relationship (χ2=9.421, p<0.01) with Internet addiction. Parents’ control of Internet access has a highly significant influence (χ2=10.473, p<0.01) on Internet addiction.

Students who experience conflicts with their mothers, fathers, or between their parents are more likely to develop Internet addiction. Parental control over Internet access helps reduce the risk of addiction.

None Declared

Smartphones and social media have become increasingly common in recent years. However, uncontrolled use can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

To evaluate the prevalence of social media and smartphone addiction in a group of young doctors

Descriptive cross-sectional study of a population of young doctors. Socio-professional and medical data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on Google Forms. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) was used for screening social media addiction, with a score of ≥24 indicating problematic use. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) was adopted to determine the degree of smartphone addiction, where a very high score of >40 suggests severe smartphone addiction.

Our population consisted of 64 young doctors. Among them, 63.8% were female. BSMAS and SAS-SV means were respectively 16.14 ± 5.54 and 28.91 ± 7.62. A social media problematic use was assessed in 13% of cases. We identified severe smartphone addiction in 6.7% of cases. In bivariate analysis, female sex was associated with a higher BSMAS score (p=0.046) and younger age was associated with severe smartphone addiction (p=0.049). Moreover, strong correlation was found between smartphone and social media addiction (p=0.00, r=0.79).

Given the potential negative impacts on mental and physical health, it is crucial for healthcare institutions to implement strategies that promote balanced technology use and raise awareness about the risks associated with addiction. Addressing these issues can ultimately enhance the well-being of medical professionals, fostering a healthier work environment conducive to effective patient care.

None Declared

The electronic cigarette (EC), invented in 2006, represents a recent phenomenon that is increasingly discussed especially in healthcare environment. Beliefs regarding this form of consumption are very diverse.

This study aims to assess the perception of young doctors towards EC consumption.

An online survey had been conducted inspired from the French health barometer (2017). Data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire using Google Forms. The recruitment of participants was based on social media platforms combining young doctors.

A total of 203 young doctors had responded to the questionnaire. Most of participants were female (71%) with a mean age of 25.64 ± 2.64 years. More than half (60%) were resident doctors. Non-smokers represent 79.3% of our population. At the time of the survey, only 14 subjects (6.9%) had used EC or experienced vaping. The evaluation of perceptions with regard to vaping had showed that 30% of participants disagreed with the fact that EC consumption represents a measure to promote the cessation of tobacco use and 82% hadn’t recommended it to their patients. A proportion of 47.3% thought that vaping is as harmful as smoking and 60% agreed that e-cigarettes may contain toxic chemicals. More than half (51.6%) almost agreed that vaping may encourage ex-smokers to become nicotine addicts.

We may conclude that EC represents for young doctors an emerging form of consumption that is not a safe or healthy alternative to smoking.

None Declared

Subutex abuse in Tunisia is a phenomenon that is becoming more and more frequent and the management of which is not obvious due to the development of this substance in parallel markets.

Our objective was to assess the patient’s Subutex use and initially assist with withdrawal, followed by achieving abstinence.

We followed the case of a patient in the psychiatric unit B at the Razi hospital, for depressive symptoms and having a problem of misuse of Subutex for 4 years, in a difficult family and social context.

Patient follow-up was done over a one-year period with weekly consultation sessions at the beginning to assess the situation. Although withdrawal was done after a few weeks, it was essential to maintain this abstinence, using psychotherapy based on CBT done over 7 sessions.

During the study period, the patient violated abstinence only once in a family conflict.

The patient’s response to our management has reinforced the hope of being able to treat addiction to Subutex despite the severity of his condition and family and social instability.

None Declared

Personality-related correlates are significant factors associated with compulsive buying. The Big Five personality traits can be a risk factor or a protective factor for addiction.

This study aimed to establish the connection between depressiveness, workaholism, eating disorders, and personality traits, according to the five-point model called the Big Five, in women with a risk of compulsive buying disorder.

The study was conducted on 556 Polish women from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique including Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, the Buying Behaviour Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory I-II, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and a self-questionnaire.

The analysis revealed the risk of compulsive buying being accompanied by a higher median score for depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and a risk of workaholism. A lower score in the respondents in the compulsive buying risk group was observed in an assessment of agreeableness and conscientiousness. Work addiction was exhibited by 26% of people with compulsive buying disorder vs. 12% of people without it.

Table 1. Descriptive statistics for selected scales with respect to the risk of the compulsive buying disorder.

BDI I-II—Beck Depression Inventory, NEO-FFI—Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, TFEQ-13—Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, WART—Work Addiction Risk Test, Me—median, Q1—quartile first, Q3—quartile third, n—number of patients, p—statistic

This study found that a high risk of compulsive buying disorder is accompanied by a high risk of moderate depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and workaholism. It also confirmed the view that compulsive buying is a behavioural addiction which is a consequence of ineffective coping and being dissatisfied with one’s social life.

None Declared

Addictive disorders are chronic, highly recurrent conditions that often require long-term treatment and a multidisciplinary approach. Exacerbation of a chronic disorders presents a special challenge and requires a quick response from the medical team. Emergency services implement life-saving interventions on a daily basis.

The objective of this study is to point out the importance of the Emergency Service and the provision of adequate medical care to people who need emergency intervention due to the abuse of psychoactive substances.

This retrospective study was conductet from January 2018 to January 2023 and included 4337 persons. Data was collected from the Special hospital for addiction disorders in Belgrade, Serbia, using a sociodemographic questionnaire and medical documentation. All included participents were users of the Emergency services. Unknown persons were excluded from the research.

Out of a total of 4337 participants, 76% were male with an average age of 37.71 ± 9.94, while 24% were female with an average age of 37.89 ± 11.42. Opiate withdrawal syndrome was the most common reason for presentation in both sexes. However, it should be noted that the incidence of occurrence in men is significantly higher (68%), while in women it is slightly lower (close to 50%). Statistically significantly more women appear due to symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication (p<0.05), as well as intoxication with hypnotics and withdrawal symptoms from the anxiety-depressive spectrum. Comparing the reasons for reporting throughout the monitoring period of 5 years, with the exception of 2022, the trend of reporting did not change significantly. Opiate withdrawal syndrome is the most common, followed by acute alcohol intoxication, polytoxicomania and marijuana use.

The Emergency Service is of great importance because a large number of patients are cared for on an annual basis due to various symptoms of addiction. In addition to the training and readiness of the medical team, joint work and coordination of other emergency service institutions is also needed for the most efficient care.

None Declared

Addiction treatments are complex, and their goals have changed over time. In the past, abstinence was the main objective. Nowadays, treatments focus on people and their recovery. They are developed to act in many areas of life, therefore appropriate measures are needed that really show the results achieved. One of the variables that has been shown to be appropriate for measuring the results of interventions is quality of life.

Our main objective was to evaluate the results of the intervention carried out on people who have been discharged, with an instrument that includes data on quality of life. Another objective was to standardize the measurement of results, establishing reliable criteria that include the diversity of people in treatment for addictions.

A computer-assisted telephone survey was conducted, with 575 people, between May 2023 and June 2024. They had been for 3 or 6 months on therapeutic or voluntary discharge.

Criteria for therapeutic discharge, voluntary discharge, and abandonment were established. They included results in different areas: substance use, health and self-care, mental health, social/family integration and educational/work.

The World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire was used. Psychosocial and drug use questions were added to the evaluation.

At discharge, around 75% of people considered that they were in better health than before starting treatment, 60% believed that their quality of life was good or very good, 72% considered that their life had a lot or some meaning and 75% maintained abstinence from the substance for which they were in treatment.

Regarding quality of life (WHOQOL BREF) in people with discharge from treatment, the domain with the lowest score was the one of personal relationships.

Opiate patients were the ones with the lowest scores, with physical health values being highlighted. In terms of gender, women scored worse than men, especially in psychological health.

The results obtained indicate that the biopsychosocial and interdisciplinary treatment of addictions at the Addictions Institute of Madrid City Council improves the overall quality of life and the perception of health. These changes are largely maintained over time, including abstinence.

None Declared

Various studies have shown that individuals with mental health disorders are significantly more likely to smoke compared to the general population. Additionally, they tend to exhibit more severe tobacco dependence. For these populations, smoking is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Despite the significance of this issue and its impact on health, quality of life, and financial well- being, smoking cessation interventions are rarely implemented in mental health services.

The STEN project (alleviate Stigma, Train, Enhance smoking cessation interventions, rely on a specialized Network), funded by the Tobacco Prevention Fund in Switzerland, aims to promote smoking cessation among individuals with mental health disorders. The project seeks to strengthen the competencies of mental health professionals, encourage the utilization of available resources, and shift healthcare professionals’ beliefs about smoking in individuals with mental disorders.

The first phase of the STEN project focuses on identifying the needs and perceptions of mental health professionals regarding smoking cessation. This phase involves a qualitative opinion survey exploring the perceived barriers and needs related to treating tobacco dependence in people with mental health disorders. The survey was conducted through focus groups held between December 2023 and April 2024, involving about 80 professionals from various linguistic regions of Switzerland, representing different professional bodies and both private and public addiction and psychiatry services. Data collection was facilitated and standardized using a structured response document.

The analysis of the focus group discussions revealed:

Barriers: The main barriers to implementing tobacco dependence treatment among mental health professionals included a lack of knowledge, the misconception that addressing tobacco use is not part of their mission, and false beliefs about patients’ willingness to quit.

Needs: There is a strong interest among mental health professionals in digital training, accompanied by opportunities for practice-sharing.

This phase will culminate in the development of a training and digital support concept tailored to the needs and perceptions of mental health professionals in Switzerland.

None Declared

Adverse Childhood Experiences, referring to potentially traumatic events such as sexual abuse, rejection, and family dysfunction, are strongly associated with the development of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. Peer victimization related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression has been linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms, disrupted educational paths, trauma, and increased use of substances such as alcohol and drugs. Gender-diverse youth are particularly vulnerable to substance misuse, especially in environments with limited support and prevalent discrimination.

To emphasize the complex interactions between substance use, early trauma, and gender identity struggles, while highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.

This case report was developed through detailed psychiatric interviews and assessments conducted during the patient’s follow-up in an outpatient addiction treatment unit. The case description is supported by a focused literature review on PubMed using the keywords “Adverse Childhood Experiences”, “Substance Use Disorder” and “Gender Identity”.

The patient is a young adult with a history of polysubstance use, starting in adolescence. His substance use was closely associated to early trauma, including childhood sexual abuse and rejection by family and peers after disclosing his sexual orientation. These events led to dropping out of school, running away from home, and experiencing homelessness. As a result, he developed long-standing anxiety, depressive symptoms, and emotional instability. Internal struggles with gender identity, alongside ongoing familial conflict and unstable romantic relationships, further worsened his psychopathology. After a multidisciplinary intervention involving psychiatry, psychology, and social services, he showed significant improvements in emotional regulation, anxiety management and has remained abstinent since starting treatment.

Personal experiences, especially during childhood and adolescence, profoundly influence mental health and behaviors in adulthood. This case underscores the interaction between adverse childhood experiences, substance misuse, and discrimination related to sexual orientation, illustrating how these factors collectively impact psychiatric health. The patient’s journey through addiction, identity struggles, and mental health challenges reflects the deep influence of both personal trauma and systemic issues. This case highlights the need for multifaceted therapeutic approaches that address the psychological, social, and familial factors underlying the patient’s condition.

None Declared

AFFECTIVE DISORDERS IN ADDICTOLOGY

In recent years, the number of substance users has increased globally. Referring to a study conducted in Albania by the Youth Risky Behavioral Survey, it results that: 5.4% of young people aged 14-18 have an experience with cannabis, 4% with ecstasy, 1.4% with heroin and 1.6% with cocaine. From the data published by Our World (2019) it results that the number of deaths from drug and alcohol consumption has doubled, especially in the last three decades. From studies it results that 50 thousand individuals in Albania (1.8% of the population are drug users.

From a 3-year study carried out in the Addictology pavilion at Salus Hospital, where a sample of 133 patients with addiction to substances was examined. It turned out that 118 people were men (88.7%) and 15 women (11.3%). Over 50% of patients are in the 18-33 age group and 40% are in the 30-40 age group. Referring to the place of residence, most of the patients are from Tirana and this is influenced by the number of the population (32% of the population of Albania).Education is another important data of this study as it turns out that more than 50% of them have a secondary education and only 1/3 of them have a higher education. Referring to the married/single status, the ratio is respectively 46.97/48.48%.After analyzing the years of abuse,from 1-5 years addiction constitute 29 % of the total,6-10 years constitute 37 % and from 10-20 years constitute 21 %.If we refer to substances, it turns out that cocaine occupies 74% of the championship, followed by Cannabis, 14% and Alcohol, 12%. If we consider the psychiatric pathologies from which this study is referred, it turns out that Affective Disorders make up the largest part with 69% of followed by Psychotic Disorder with 28% of patients. Over 50% of patients manifested symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder and over 30% of them symptoms of an Uspecified Affective Disorder.

Place occupied by mood disorders in addictology

Quantitative research

Referring to the married/single status,the ratio is respectively 46.97/48.48%.After analyzing the years of abuse, from 1-5 years addiction constitute 29 % of the total,6-10 years constitute 37 % and from 10-20 years constitute 21 %.If we refer to substances,it turns out that cocaine occupies 74% of the championship,followed by Cannabis,14% and Alcohol,12%.If we consider the psychiatric pathologies from which this study is referred,it turns out that Affective Disorders make up the largest part with 69% of followed by Psychotic Disorder with 28% of patients.Over 50% of patients manifested symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder and over 30% of them symptoms of an Uspecified Affective Disorder

Affective Disorders make up the largest part with 69% of followed by Psychotic Disorder with 28% of patients.Over 50% of patients manifested symptoms similar to Bipolar Disorder and over 30% of them symptoms of an Uspecified Affective Disorder.

None Declared

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent and substantially contribute to the global burden of disease, negatively impacting individuals’ health, well-being, and social functioning. While SUD treatments have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing substance use and related behaviors, there has been a growing emphasis on including subjective outcome measures, recognizing the importance of patients’ perspectives on their well-being. This shift has driven the development of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), which are progressively being integrated in healthcare to enhance patient-centered care, patient-provider communication and shared decision-making.

This study aims to develop a PROMs Digital Health Intervention (PROMs-DHI) with the potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of outpatient addiction treatment services.

PROMs-DHI includes the electronic adaptation of ICHOM’s standardized set for addictions using REDCap software and feedback created by Tableau on individual PROMs scores for patients and clinicians. PROMs-DHI will be assessed through mixed methods following a patient-centered design. Quantitative data will be collected using the System Usability Scale (Brooke, 1986), while qualitative data will be gathered through 5 focus groups with patients and 5 with healthcare professionals from collaborating addiction treatment centers. This strategy will yield valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of both groups in utilizing the PROMs-DHI, offering a deeper understanding of their interactions and outcomes.

It is expected that patients will perceive a positive effect of the usage of the PROMs-DHI, gaining insights into their progress, reinforcing communication with clinicians, and enhancing self-management. Clinicians are expected to find the PROMs-DHI beneficial for managing patient care, profiting from the ability to monitor patient outcomes in real-time, receive notifications when values exceed critical thresholds, and access detailed reporting tools to inform their treatment decisions. This would enable them to provide more targeted and effective care, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Implementing the PROMs-DHI in addiction care could facilitate outcome comparisons, guide service improvement, and ultimately increase the effectiveness and quality of interventions, contributing to a stronger and more sustained recovery for patients undergoing treatment. Providing patients with regular feedback on their outcomes may also have a therapeutic effect in itself, promoting self-awareness, motivation and empowerment to manage their recovery. Furthermore, PROMs can support healthcare professionals in making well-informed treatment decisions that are tailored to each patient’s needs, thereby strengthening the impact and sustainability of addiction interventions.

None Declared

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a pervasive condition with substantial psychological, social, and physical consequences. Traditional treatment approaches often struggle with high relapse rates, highlighting the need for more effective interventions. Recently, ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has emerged as a potential treatment for AUD due to its unique pharmacological properties.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the current evidence of ketamine treatment for alcohol use disorder and its efficacy.

The authors did a non-systematic review of the current literature.

The results suggest that ketamine combined with psychotherapy reduces alcohol consumption and prolongs abstinence in AUD patients. The mechanism is hypothesized to involve ketamine’s ability to enhance neuroplasticity and modulate glutamatergic pathways, which may improve motivation and cognitive control. Additionally, ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects could address comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, often observed in AUD patients, thereby reducing the overall risk of relapse.

Ketamine presents a promising adjunct to existing therapies for AUD, offering benefits that extend beyond traditional treatment approaches. However, while preliminary findings are encouraging, further research is necessary to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of ketamine in treating AUD, particularly concerning optimal dosing strategies and the integration with psychotherapeutic interventions.

None Declared

Conceptually, the internet has transformed the Earth into a vast information network village, significantly enhancing human experience through unprecedented availability and exchange of information. However, the potential adverse effects of internet addiction on human health have emerged as a major global concern.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction among students.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023 among students from various faculties in Sfax. Data were collected through a self-administered electronic questionnaire accessible online, created using the Google Forms application. The questionnaire explored sociodemographic and relational data. Internet addiction was assessed using the Internet Addiction Scale (IAS).

The average age of the students was 25,62 ± 3,29 years, with a sex ratio of 1/5. Among the participants, 96% resided in urban areas, and 81,9% lived with their families. Nearly half of the students were from the Sfax Faculty of Medicine, and 64,4% were in the third cycle of their studies. The study found a mean total score of 74,27 +/- 21,25 on the IAS, indicating an estimated prevalence of internet addiction at 24,2%. Factors correlated with internet addiction included excessive internet use by family members (p=0,004) and poor adaptation to the faculty (p=0,03).

Internet addiction was prevalent in our student population. Exploring the characteristics associated with this addiction would undoubtedly assist in identifying the risks our students might face.

None Declared