Electrophysiological biomarkers in dual pathology.

Introduction: The co-occurrence of substance use disorder with at least one other mental disorder is called dual pathology, which in turn is characterised by heterogeneous symptoms that are difficult to diagnose and have a poor response to treatment. For this reason, the identification and validation of biomarkers is necessary. Within this group, possible electroencephalographic biomarkers have been reported to be useful in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, both in neuropsychiatric conditions and in substance use disorders.

Cannabis, schizophrenia and cognition: the contribution of brain connectivity.

The lack of consensus on the issue of whether the consumption of cannabis favors neurocognition among schizophrenia-diagnosed patients or not, plus methodological problems found in available evidence and the limitations of studies focused on diagnosis and treatment for positive symptoms are sufficient reason for designing new research proposals based on recent brain connectivity models. The objective of this paper is to review available literature databases, selected for neurocognition in cannabis-using schizophrenia patients and to analyze contributions made by functional connectivity studies. Cognitive impairment among schizophrenia patients is found even before the appearance of the first psychotic symptoms.

[Dual Pathology in General Population of Itagüí, Colombia].

Objectives: To study the prevalence of dual diagnosis (presence of a substance use disorder and an associated mental disorder) in the general population of a small town in the department of Antioquia in Colombia, through secondary analysis of survey data on Mental Health held in this city in 2011.

Methods: With a sample of 415 subjects, the interview Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), WHO CAPI version, was used and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.21.

Hepatitis C and HIV in injecting drug users in Armenia, Colombia.

A constant and progressive increase in the availability of heroin in Colombia in recent decades and the intravenous use  of this drug have established the need to prevent a possible epidemic of HIV and hepatitis C. This research determined the sero-prevalence of hepatitis C and HIV according to sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors in people who inject drugs in Armenia, Colombia. This is a cross-sectional study on 265 users captured through respondent-driven sampling after informed consent.

Problems associated with alcohol consumption by university students.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze alcohol consumption by university students and psychosocial problems related.

Method: Descriptive correlational study that included 396 university students. The "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test"--(AUDIT)--and an "ad hoc" questionnaire were used as instruments to assess the associated problems.

[Use of Emerging Drugs in Medellín, Colombia].

Introduction: The ongoing emergence of new synthetic substances that are used as drugs is a constant challenge to public health. Emerging drugs is the concept used in this research project to define the emergence of new psychoactive substances at a given time, a specific context and group, the reemergence of others that some epidemiologists considered had lost their prevalence, and the sudden prevalence of drugs that had low levels of consumption.

Method: This research project was carried out using an empirical-analytical approach using a mixed methods study.

Patterns of heroin use in a sample of consumers in Medellín--Colombia.

Introduction: In Colombia, there are no specific studies on the prevalence of heroin use. This paper reviews the patterns of substance use in a consumer group in the city of Medellín and its metropolitan area, showing that consumption is becoming a threat to public health due to the particular forms of consumption, among which risk practices are included.

Objective: To evaluate the use of heroin in the city of Medellín and its metropolitan area.