Cannabis use is associated with low plasma endocannabinoid Anandamide in individuals with psychosis.

Background: Cannabis use suppresses the endocannabinoid system in healthy individuals. However, the association between cannabis use with the endocannabinoid system is understudied in individuals with psychosis despite the high rate of cannabis use in these individuals.

Methods: We enrolled 83 individuals who were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit with psychotic presentations, and measured their plasma levels of main endocannabinoids, Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Acylglycerol (2-AG), and endocannabinoid related compounds, Palmitoylethanolamine, and N-oleoylethanolamine.

Increased Attendance During Rapid Implementation of Telehealth for Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 at the Largest Public Hospital System in the United States.

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine differences between; telehealth and in-person visits during COVID-19 and in a pre-COVID-19 reference period; COVID-19 televisit completion for patients with varying engagement in treatment during the reference period.

Methods: Electronic medical record data were collected and analyzed with chi-squared or -tests to compare patient demographics. Generalized estimating equations for estimating the odds of outcomes were used, controlling for demographics.

Cannabinoid use in psychotic patients impacts inflammatory levels and their association with psychosis severity.

Inflammatory abnormalities are well-documented in individuals with chronic psychotic disorders. Particular attention has focused on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its correlation with psychotic symptom severity. Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis and also has immunomodulating properties.

The Relevance of Sex in the Association of Synthetic Cannabinoid Use With Psychosis and Agitation in an Inpatient Population.

Background: Current evidence suggests that women are more sensitive to the effects of cannabinoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of sex in the association of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use with psychosis and agitation.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients admitted to a psychiatric unit (2014-2016) to extract information on demographic factors, use of substances, clinical symptoms, and pharmacologic treatments.

Psychiatric comorbidity associated with synthetic cannabinoid use compared to cannabis.

Background: Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) use has had a dramatic increase in recent years, but data regarding their adverse effects on mental health is limited. In this study, we compared clinical presentations of SC users with cannabis users in a psychiatric inpatient setting.

Methods: Digital charts of all patients who were admitted to a dual diagnosis psychiatric unit in one year were reviewed.

Medical management of opioid dependence in South Africa.

Medical practitioners in South Africa are increasingly confronted with requests to treat patients with opioid use disorders. Many do not possess the required knowledge and skills to deal with these patients effectively. This overview of the medical treatment of opioid dependence was compiled by an elected working group of doctors working in the field of substance dependence.