Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental
July 1, 2013
Duccio Papanti, Fabrizio Schifano, Giulia Botteon et al.
191 citations
Synthetic cannabimimetics (SC), known as 'spice' drugs, are increasingly used by teenagers and young adults. A systematic review of 41 studies found that the average age of SC users was 22.97 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.16:1. The most commonly detected SC compounds in biological samples were JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, CP-47,497, and JWH-250. Evidence suggests that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions can occur in acute or chronic SC users. Although a clear causal link cannot be established, SC appears to trigger acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and exacerbate psychotic episodes in those with prior psychiatric history.
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
April 17, 2017
Giovanni Martinotti, Rita Santacroce, Duccio Papanti et al.
62 citations
Synthetic cannabinoids are the most widespread class of novel psychoactive substances, yet their health risks are often unknown to users and health professionals. This review synthesizes recent insights on the pharmacology, clinical, and psychopathological aspects of synthetic cannabinoids. A structured search of PubMed and Scopus yielded 162 relevant results, mainly epidemiological, forensic, toxicologic, or analytical. Fifteen synthetic cannabinoid-related fatality cases were reviewed. The findings confirm the need for prompt, reliable information for health professionals, along with more specific analytic techniques and preventive strategies to address the synthetic cannabinoid challenge.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
November 20, 2019
Laura Orsolini, Stefania Chiappini, Duccio Papanti et al.
41 citations
The spread of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), especially among young people, raises concerns about psychosis linked to synthetic drugs. These 'new psychoses' differ clinically from classical psychosis. This mini-review synthesizes clinical and psychopathological features of NPS-induced psychoses and their treatment, based on a PubMed/Medline search for synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. It contrasts classical psychoses with NPS-induced ones and offers therapeutic guidelines for clinicians in addiction psychiatry.
Current Neuropharmacology
December 2, 2016
Laura Orsolini, Paul St John‐smith, Daniel Mcqueen et al.
28 citations
Multiple evolutionary mechanisms—optimal foraging, costly signaling, and reproduction at the expense of health—may jointly explain the recent spread and diffusion of the novel psychoactive substances (NPS) market, representing a reason for concern.
Human psychopharmacology
May 1, 2020
Laura Orsolini, Stefania Chiappini, Duccio Papanti et al.
27 citations
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant preparation used in sacred ceremonies by indigenous Amazonian groups, may offer therapeutic benefits for mental health. Evidence from preclinical, observational, and experimental studies suggests it acts as a fast-acting and enduring antidepressant, emotional regulator, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive drug. It appears safe and well tolerated, with nausea and vomiting as the most common transient side effects. However, findings indicate it should not be used in bipolar or psychotic patients due to increased risk of manic switch or psychotic onset. Further research with randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and neuroimaging is needed to better evaluate its therapeutic potential in mental disorders.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
May 22, 2018
Laura Orsolini, Michela Ciccarese, Duccio Papanti et al.
25 citations
A new 'psychedelic trend' has emerged, driven by psychonauts who consume a variety of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) from animals. This review identifies several species—including ants, amphibians, and fish—that possess psychoactive properties and are abused recreationally. Routes of administration vary by animal, substance, metabolism, toxicity, and cultural context. Online access to these animals is facilitated through tourism-related search terms such as 'frog trip' and 'religious trip.' The review combines online psychonaut reports with literature searches from PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar to provide an overview of commonly abused 'psychedelic animals.'
Advances in Dual Diagnosis
August 12, 2014
Duccio Papanti, Laura Orsolini, Giulia Francesconi et al.
24 citations
Synthetic cannabinoids, sold as 'Spice' products, are designer drugs that act as full agonists on cannabinoid receptors, unlike the partial agonist THC in cannabis. This stronger activation can produce severe physiological and psychological disturbances. Evidence suggests a relationship between synthetic cannabinoid use and psychosis, termed 'Spiceophrenia'. Acute intoxication typically involves tachycardia, hypertension, hallucinations, mydriasis, agitation, anxiety, tachypnoea, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. The lack of clinical trials and longitudinal studies, along with the heterogeneity of compounds, hinders precise health risk assessment, especially for long-term effects. Large-scale, non-judgmental prevention campaigns highlighting differences from cannabis are needed.
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental
July 1, 2015
Giulia Francesconi, Laura Orsolini, Duccio Papanti et al.
22 citations
Venlafaxine, a widely prescribed antidepressant, carries a risk of misuse, with users ingesting or snorting doses 10-15 times higher than clinically advised to obtain MDMA/amphetamine-like stimulant and psychedelic effects. Polydrug misuse is common, and the drug is readily available online. Physicians should assess patients for drug dependence history and monitor for signs of misuse.
European Psychiatry
March 1, 2016
Laura Orsolini, Alessandro Valchera, Duccio Papanti et al.
3 citations
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a syndrome marked by prolonged or recurring perceptual symptoms similar to acute hallucinogen effects, associated with substances like LSD, cannabis, MDMA, psilocybin, and mescaline. Symptoms mainly involve visual disturbances such as geometric pseudo-hallucinations, halos, flashes of light, motion-perception deficits, afterimages, and micropsy, though depressive and thought disorders may co-occur. First described in 1954, HPPD was formally established as a syndrome in the DSM-IV-TR in 2000. The neuronal substrate, risk factors, etiology, and pathogenesis remain unknown and under investigation. This critical review covers psychopathological bases, etiological hypotheses, and psychopharmacological approaches, presenting a case report and offering practical clinical recommendations.