New Psychoactive Substances Toxicity: A Systematic Review of Acute and Chronic Psychiatric Effects.
International journal of molecular sciences August 31, 2024 Beldisa Taflaj, Nunzia La Maida, Roberta Tittarelli et al. 22 citations
New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are diverse drugs sold as legal substitutes for controlled drugs, and their psychiatric consequences are not well understood. A review of 109 NPS-related intoxication cases published between 2013 and 2024 found that synthetic cannabinoids were the most common cause of acute or chronic psychiatric symptoms, followed by synthetic cathinones, hallucinogens, natural NPSs, and stimulants. The most frequent acute symptoms included hallucinations, aggressiveness, and psychotic or bizarre behavior, linked to neurotransmitter imbalances in the central nervous system. The absence of clear diagnostic criteria and toxicological analyses complicates psychiatric diagnosis; implementing toxicological screening in emergency rooms and follow-up care is recommended.