The Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Administration during Rehabilitation on White Matter Integrity Among Individuals With Polysubstance Use Disorder.

Objectives: Individuals with polysubstance use disorder (pSUD) exhibit vulnerability to relapse even after prolonged abstinence, with rehabilitation efforts achieving limited success. Previous studies highlighted dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a putative therapeutic agent that may aid rehabilitation, potentially by impacting white matter (WM) properties. The current study tested, for the first time, the effect of DHEA administration during rehabilitation on WM integrity among pSUD individuals, while assessing its putative association with long-term relapse rates.

Depression level, not pain severity, is associated with smoked medical marijuana dosage among chronic pain patients.

Background: The use of medical marijuana (MM) for the treatment of chronic pain is rapidly growing in the United States and Europe; however there is concern regarding the specificity of its therapeutic effects and the motivation underlying its use. While research indicates that among chronic pain prescribed opioids, depression has been associated with increased opioid dosage (regardless of pain levels), the extent to which depression and pain each contribute to MM dose among chronic pain patients is yet unknown.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 209 chronic pain patients prescribed smoked MM, in flower or other plant form, with no concurrent opioid treatment.

[MEDICAL MARIJUANA DEPENDENCE AMONG CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY].

Introduction: In recent years, medical marijuana (MM) is increasingly being used for the treatment of chronic pain. Depression and anxiety have been identified as risk factors for the problematic use of prescription opioids, yet their contribution to developing MM dependence hasn't been explored up to date. In this study we explored the association between depression and anxiety severity and the risk for cannabis dependence among chronic pain patients prescribed MM.

A DNA Methylation Signature of Addiction in T Cells and Its Reversal With DHEA Intervention.

Previous studies in animal models of cocaine craving have delineated broad changes in DNA methylation profiles in the nucleus accumbens. A crucial factor for progress in behavioral and mental health epigenetics is the discovery of epigenetic markers in peripheral tissues. Several studies in primates and humans have associated differences in behavioral phenotypes with changes in DNA methylation in T cells and brain.

The association between severity of depression and prescription opioid misuse among chronic pain patients with and without anxiety: A cross-sectional study.

Background: In light of the increased rates of Prescription Opioid (PO) misuse and associated mortality in several developed countries in recent years, efforts have been made to identify populations who may be at increased risk for misuse of POs. Though the association between depression and PO misuse among pain patients is well documented, little is known regarding the effects of severity of depression on rates of misuse. In this study we explored rates of PO misuse among chronic pain patients screening positive for depression according to level of severity.

Misuse of prescription opioids among chronic pain patients suffering from anxiety: A cross-sectional analysis.

Objective: In the past two decades, chronic pain has been increasingly treated with prescription opioids, particularly in developed countries. This has drawn public concern of possible risks associated with the potential misuse of prescriptions opioids. Previous research has indicated that this may be particularly true among individuals suffering from co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

Depression and anxiety among chronic pain patients receiving prescription opioids and medical marijuana.

Background: High rates of depression and anxiety have been consistently reported among patients suffering from chronic pain. Prescription opioids are one of the most common modalities for pharmacological treatment of pain, however in recent years medical marijuana(MM) has been increasingly used for pain control in the US and in several countries worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare levels of depression and anxiety among pain patients receiving prescription opioids and MM.

Problematic Use of Prescription Opioids and Medicinal Cannabis Among Patients Suffering from Chronic Pain.

Objective: To assess prevalence rates and correlates of problematic use of prescription opioids and medicinal cannabis (MC) among patients receiving treatment for chronic pain.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Two leading pain clinics in Israel.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone add-on therapy on mood, decision making and subsequent relapse of polydrug users.

A major problem in the treatment of addiction is predicting and preventing relapse following a rehabilitation program. Recently, in preclinical rodent studies dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was found to markedly improve the resistance to drug reuse. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we examined the effect of DHEA on relapse rates in adult polydrug users taking part in a detoxification program enriched with intensive psychosocial interventions and aftercare.

Evaluating the clinical impact of involuntary admission to a specialized dual diagnosis ward.

Background: We aimed to identify characteristics and outcomes of involuntary and voluntary admissions of dual-diagnosis patients in a single, large mental health center in Israel.

Methods: Using a retrospective chart review methodology, 24 patient records were reviewed spanning a period of five years; clinical and demographic variables of voluntary and involuntary admissions were compared.

Results: No significant differences were found in sociodemographic characteristics, admission diagnosis and length of hospitalization between the two types of admission.

Co-morbid social phobia in schizophrenia.

Background: The co-morbid occurrence of anxiety disorders and schizophrenia has recently begun to be investigated. Social anxiety may be especially important to diagnose and manage among patients with schizophrenia.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and correlates of social phobia in patients with schizophrenia.