Journal of Psychopharmacology
March 30, 2006
Fabrizio Schifano, John Corkery, Paolo Deluca et al.
96 citations
Over the last decade, the UK saw a yearly increase in ecstasy-related deaths, with 394 mentions identified from 1994 to 2003. In 42% of cases, ecstasy was the sole drug mentioned. The number of fatalities correlated positively with past-year use, number of drug offenders, and number of seizures, but negatively with ecstasy price. Price negatively correlated with use and seizures, and positively with average MDMA dosage per tablet. Other related drugs (MDA, MDEA, MBDB) appeared significantly only up to 1997. Increasing production and falling prices may have boosted consumption and deaths. Only medical death certificates were analyzed, not coroners' reports.
The International journal on drug policy
August 1, 2023
Tayler Holborn, Fabrizio Schifano, Paolo Deluca
15 citations
People are using novel psychoactive substances (NPS) to self-treat conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression, according to discussions on a Reddit community. Motivations include easier access, lower cost, legality, and dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare. Substances frequently mentioned include etizolam, clonazolam, diclazepam, flualprazolam, 2-FMA, 4F-MPH, 3-FPM, and 3-MeO-PCP. Users often chose NPS based on perceived "functionality," though outcomes varied, and clonazolam use was highlighted as particularly problematic. The findings suggest that improving healthcare providers' knowledge of NPS use, removing barriers to adult ADHD diagnosis, and rebuilding trust in addiction services could help address this challenge.
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
November 28, 2023
Tayler Holborn, Robert L. Page, Fabrizio Schifano et al.
5 citations
A review of 24 studies found that people use novel psychoactive substances (NPS) to self-medicate, primarily for anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Specific links emerged between cluster headaches and psychedelic NPS, and between anxiety and novel benzodiazepines. Novel benzodiazepine use among young individuals is a particular concern. The authors call for greater healthcare professional awareness and more qualitative research into motivations.
Psychoactives
August 20, 2025
Tayler Holborn, Fabrizio Schifano, Emma Smith et al.
1 citation
People with depression and anxiety often self-medicate with novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as bromazolam, etizolam, clonazolam, 1P-LSD, and 2-FDCK, perceiving these as more effective than conventional treatment. An online survey of 274 individuals (average age 29.8, 71% male, 18% female, 5% non-binary) and follow-up interviews with five participants revealed that self-medication typically follows failed conventional treatment. Themes included chronic, treatment-resistant depression with comorbidities, attempts to mimic existing treatments, high pharmacological knowledge, and difficulty controlling benzodiazepine use. The findings highlight the need for affordable emerging treatment options for depression and anxiety.