Objectives The use of synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; "spice" drugs) is increasing, especially among teenagers and young adults. In parallel with this, the number of studies describing intoxication episodes associated with psychotic symptoms in SC users is growing. We present both a systematic review of the related literature and a case report, which seems to highlight the existence of a possible association between SC use and psychosis. Methods Some 223 relevant studies were here identified and reviewed. Out of these, 120 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 41 were finally included in the systematic review. Results According to the available data from the studies here identified, SC's average age of users was 22.97 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.16:1. SC compounds most often reported in studies using biological specimen analysis were JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, CP-47,497, and JWH-250. Mounting evidence seemed to suggest that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur in acute/chronic SC users. Conclusions Although a clear causal link may not be here identified, the available evidence suggests that SC can trigger the onset of acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and/or the exacerbation of psychotic episodes in those with a previous psychiatric history.

BackgroundThe lack of compliance is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and switching or augmentation of therapy when compared with being compliant. A synergy of drug therapy and psychosocial interventions can give more benefits in treatment.MethodsA perspective study was conducted on 150 patients with schizophrenia over 15 centers in Italy. The experimental group was treated with drug therapy, traditional psychosocial and psychoeducation for the patients and their families, while the control group received traditional psychosocial and drug intervention over 1 year.ResultsThe experimental group showed a significant statistical improvement (p < 0,05) in almost all the scales that have been assessed (BPRS, SAPS, SANS, SIMPSON-ANGUS SCALE, LANCASHIRE QL SCALE). Significant was the reduction of the number of hospitalizations and of days of hospital stay.ConclusionAs it is shown in international literature, psychoeducational intervention with schizophrenic patients and their families can reduce the occurrence of relapse.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction with 3 types of formal care systems of the elderly: (1) a day care center, (2) a nursing home, and (3) telecare service in a group of oldest frail elderly, and to describe the characteristics of the population using the services. The study involved a population of 162 oldest elderly using 3 different types of formal care services. Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic characteristics and degree of overall satisfaction with the service, as well as eliciting possible suggestions for improvement. In our study, nearly all subjects using the telecare service were satisfied or very satisfied (98.5%), as compared to 75.3% of those residing in a nursing home, and 76.5% of those attending the day care center. This result confirms the findings of previous studies on elderly subjects satisfaction with telecare services. Telecare, therefore, seems to be the service achieving the greatest levels of satisfaction, a service that can also be used by low-income subjects, by whom it is also perceived as a source of social support.

Our findings confirm the presence of a common sense of perceived uncertainty among our sample. Such attitude toward life can have a detrimental impact on patients' psychological and physical well-being, contributing to high levels of distress.

IntroductionThe suicidal behaviours constitute a significant problem in terms of public health, thus a major goal of the WHO is to reduce these behaviours.In the '80s suicide rates and suicide attempts in the Trieste were the highest in Italy, comparable with those of Central Europe. Since the '90s a project was launched to prevent suicidal behaviour and suicide rates and non-lethal self-harm gestures have plummeted.ObjectivesWe study the sociodemographic variables of this phenomenon.AimsThe aim of our study is to monitor the performance of non-lethal self-harm over time and identify evidences to implement prevention strategiesMethodsWe conducted retrospective study in the period 01.01.2000- 31.12.2007.We analyzed the records of hospital emergency rooms in Trieste, screened according to the keywords that indicate the diagnosis of access “self-harm” and “voluntary intoxication”.Socio-demographic variables were stratified by age and gender.Outcome variables were evaluated. Data were compared with those of a study conducted from 1993 to 1990.ResultsThe study showed a mean of 85/100,000 inhabitants. The methods most frequently used were drug intoxication and cutting. There was a reduction in hospitalisations rates and an increased number of appointments in the Mental Health Department by the subjects with a suicide attempt history.ConclusionsThe rates of non-lethal self-harm in the period considered decreased compared to the '80s, while the average age of those who commit the act increased. These data can be used to enhance the primary and secondary prevention strategies.

Introduction: Spices-use is continuously increasing in Western Countries, especially for legal reasons. Intoxication has been widely associated with psychotic symptoms. Objectives: Here we present a case-report that seems to highlight this possible association between canabimimetics and psychosis, stressing the use of 'Spices" as an instrument of auto-determination in the young patient's opinion. Aims: Find if the supposed relation between certain Life Events and Spices use for people with a use consequent to a Dependent Personality traits can lead to an unmasking of a psychosis. Methods: Clinical interviews, Eri-Raos, drug-use and literature revision. Results: Diagnostically, these patient presented right after a Spice intoxication psychotic symptoms like delusions, strong distress, the feeling of being observed and considered 'mad", self-isolation that strengthened the need of Spice use and more difficulty (but self-reported need) to stay with others and to self-determinate herself in meaningful relationships. These symptoms have had a strong relief after the establishment of a relationship with our community mental health center (CMHC) and its multidisciplinary staff, that took care whit the patient of the whole life, in particular of the details that were stressful for her. Conclusions: This report, being in accordance with others, suggests the necessity of further studies on the relation between Spice-use and psychotic symptoms, in particular for patients with a use that has roots to Dependent Personality Traits.

IntroductionThe rate of non fatal self-injurious behaviour in young people has increase in recent years. Non fatal self-injurious behaviour such as cutting oneself and abuse of substance is often performed without suicidal intent to cope with emotional distress although it is well known to have a close association with future suicidal behaviour.ObjectivesEvaluating people under 29's suicidal behaviours' rates.AimsMonitoring developments in not lethal self injurious behaviour in the population of adolescents and young adults in Trieste to identify strategies that will guide the prevention of suicidal behaviour in this age group.MethodsRetrospective study based on verbal access to emergency, extracts under the headings “self-harm” and “poisoning” during period 2000-2007. We considered as variables the calculation of rates for the age groups 15-19 and 20-29 years, mode of self-injurious act coded according to the parameters of the ICD-10.ResultsThe average rate for the age group 15-19 years was found to be 0.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while for ages 20-29 was found to be 1.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There wasn't a significant difference between the two genders.The methods most frequently adopted were found to be voluntary intoxication and cutting.ConclusionsTo counter the fragility and risk of self-harm and suicide in adolescents and young adults, our Local Health Company launched in 2014 a dedicated website. The site provides information on the types of conditions that may affect the target population and the self-destructive behaviors.

IntroductionA review of the literature shows that the self-injurious behaviours are more common among females, and suicides among male subjects. A significant difference between the two genders is also reflected in the choice of means used to commit the act of self-injuring, considering the male gender predilection for more violent means.Some recent studies indicate trends that deviate from the above data in the literature or indicate a tendency to an attenuation of these differences.ObjectivesReasons for engaging in self-harm behaviours include to regulate emotion and to elicit attention. Correlates of these practices include a history of sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, alexithymia, hostility, smoking, dissociation, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors.Aims:the aim of this study is to evaluate the gender difference in self-injurious behaviour.MethodsOur retrospective study was conducted making a comparison between a period of time before and after the start of an articulated program of prevention of suicidal behaviors in Trieste, from 1983 to 2007.ResultsIn the '80, the self-injurious behavior were more common among males; after 2000 years this difference has continuously attenuated. This trend is in contrast with findings in the international literature.Even the repeated acts of self-harm were more common among males.Regarding the data on suicides, they were more frequent in male subjects, and this fact has remained stable over time, in accordance with international data.ConclusionsMore studies are necessary to evaluate gender difference in self-injurious behaviour.