Chemsex and Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Moreno-Gámez, Lucía; Hernández-Huerta, Daniel; Lahera, Guillermo

doi:10.3390/bs12120516

Cited by 20 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…Our research concludes that being a young man, living in large cities, and being exposed to environmental stressors and substance use in the last 12 months may be additional risk factors associated with a high prevalence of chemsex. These factors are in line with other studies that have scientifically established that the homosexual population is potentially up to twice as prone to experiencing psychotic symptoms compared to the heterosexual population (45,46). Chemsex has been identified as a coping mechanism for the stressors that men who have sex with men (MSM) encounter regularly (45,47).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…These factors are in line with other studies that have scientifically established that the homosexual population is potentially up to twice as prone to experiencing psychotic symptoms compared to the heterosexual population (45,46). Chemsex has been identified as a coping mechanism for the stressors that men who have sex with men (MSM) encounter regularly (45,47).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

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Descriptive study on substance uses and risk of sexually transmitted infections in the practice of Chemsex in Spain

del Pozo-Herce,

Baca-García,

Martínez-Sabater

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundIn recent years, there has been an increasing use of sex-related substances (known as “Chemsex”) to facilitate, intensify, and prolong the sexual experience of men who have sex with men. This phenomenon poses a public health problem, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mental disorders.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to delve into the correlation between substance use and sexual health, specifically examining the association between different substances used and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the context of Chemsex in Spain.MethodsAn observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 563 Spanish participants between January and April 2023. Non-probabilistic purposive sampling was used by the investigators. The researchers administered a questionnaire to men who have sex with men who use substances, especially in the sexual sphere, in all the autonomous communities of Spain.Results14.7% reported having practiced slamsex in the last year, and 17.94% were diagnosed with a Sexually Transmitted Infection in the previous 6 months. Of these, 21% were on PREP treatment, with the main STIs being gonorrhea (p < 0.001), chlamydia (p < 0.001), genital herpes (p = 0.020), and syphilis (p < 0.001). The 63.7% used methamphetamines as the main drug in the practice of chemsex.DiscussionChemsex in Spain is linked to a high prevalence of STIs, especially gonorrhea and chlamydia, even among those on PrEP treatment. The use of various drugs during chemsex, such as amyl nitrite, GHB, ecstasy, and others, correlates with higher rates of STIs, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce risk and harm. The drugs most associated with slamsex include ketamine, mephedrone, and methamphetamine, underscoring the importance of addressing the risk behaviors associated with this activity.ConclusionThis study shows that chemsex appears to be associated with a high prevalence among men who have sex with men. Who use multiple substances in a sexual context, and are particularly exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), indicating a particular need for STI prevention and care in this group.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Descriptive study on substance uses and risk of sexually transmitted infections in the practice of Chemsex in Spain

del Pozo-Herce,

Baca-García,

Martínez-Sabater

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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“…Ecker et al ., 2019; Knight et al ., 2019; Morrison et al ., 2020). These issues may further put LGBTQ+ individuals at higher risk of developing physical and sexual health problems, common mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety but also severe enduring difficulties such as eating disorders and psychosis (Campbell, 2012; Mongelli et al ., 2019; Parker and Harriger, 2020; Moreno-Gámez et al ., 2022). Understanding such issues may improve clinicians’ confidence in exploring them with service users during assessments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinician experiences on training and awareness of sexual orientation in NHS Talking Therapies Services for Anxiety and Depression

Ho,

O’Rouke,

Laville

et al. 2023

tCBT

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Previous research that explored sexual minority service users’ experiences of accessing NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression Services highlighted the need for specific sexual orientation training. Inconsistent or lack of training may contribute to disparities in treatment outcomes between sexual minority service users and heterosexual service users. The aim of the study was to explore clinicians’ competencies working with sexual minority service users, their experiences of sexual orientation training, their view of current gaps in training provision, and ways to improve training. Self-reported sexual orientation competency scales and open-ended questions were used to address the aims of the study. Participants (n=83) included Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) and high-intensity CBT therapists (HITs). Responses on competency scales were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis tests and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative responses. Participants who identified as 25–29 years old had higher scores on the knowledge scale than 45+-year-olds. Bisexual participants also had higher scores on the knowledge subscale than heterosexual participants. Three over-arching themes were identified: (a) training received on sexual minority issues by Talking Therapies clinicians, (b) clinicians’ experiences of accessing and receiving sexual minority training, and (c) perceived gaps in current sexual minority training and ways to improve training. Findings were linked to previous literature and recommendations to stakeholders are made throughout the Discussion section with the view of improving sexual orientation training. Key learning aims (1) To understand current training provision of sexual orientation training across NHS Talking Therapies courses and services in England. (2) To consider clinicians’ experiences of challenges and barriers that may prevent them from accessing or implementing sexual orientation training in clinical practice. (3) To understand clinicians’ views of the current gaps in training and ways to improve training provision. (4) To make recommendations to NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression courses and services in ways to improve training on sexual orientation to better meet the learning needs of clinicians and service users.

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“…The assessment of mood disorders and addiction linked to the practice of chemsex is of interest given the psychoactive substances used [11]. The practice of chemsex has been linked to increased suicide, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [12][13][14][15], psychosis [16], and mental problems [9], and decreased adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PrEP) among others [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of the Delphi Method for Content Validity Analysis of a Questionnaire to Determine the Risk Factors of the Chemsex

del Pozo-Herce,

Martínez-Sabater,

Chover-Sierra

et al. 2023

Healthcare

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Chemsex is understood as “the intentional use of stimulant drugs to have sex for an extended time among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men”. It is a public health problem because of the increased incidence of cases and because of the consequences on the physical and mental health of those who practice it. Aim: This study aimed to analyze, with the help of the Delphi method, the content validity of a new instrument to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the chemsex phenomenon. Method: First, a bank of items identified from the literature was elaborated. Secondly, 50 experts with knowledge of the chemsex phenomenon at the national level were contacted. A Delphi group was formed with them to carry out two rounds of item evaluation. The linguistic evaluation (comprehension and appropriateness) was assessed using a Likert scale from 1 to 5 for each item. Items that did not reach a mean score of 4 were eliminated. Content assessment was calculated using each item’s content validity index (CVI) and Aiken’s V (VdA). A minimum CVI and VdA value of 0.6 was established to include the items in the questionnaire. Results: A total of 114 items were identified in the literature. In the first round of Delphi evaluation, 36 experts evaluated the items. A total of 58 items were eliminated for obtaining a CVI or VdA of less than 0.6, leaving 56 items. In a second Delphi round, 30 experts re-evaluated the 56 selected items, where 4 items were eliminated for being similar, and 10 items were also eliminated for not being relevant to the topic even though they had values higher than 0.6, leaving the scale finally composed of 52 items. Conclusion: A questionnaire has been designed to assess the risk of behaviors associated with the chemsex phenomenon. The items that make up the questionnaire have shown adequate content and linguistic validity. The Delphi method proved to be a helpful technique for the proposed objective.

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Chemsex and Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Cited by 20 publications

References 49 publications

Descriptive study on substance uses and risk of sexually transmitted infections in the practice of Chemsex in Spain

Descriptive study on substance uses and risk of sexually transmitted infections in the practice of Chemsex in Spain

Clinician experiences on training and awareness of sexual orientation in NHS Talking Therapies Services for Anxiety and Depression

Application of the Delphi Method for Content Validity Analysis of a Questionnaire to Determine the Risk Factors of the Chemsex

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