“Spiceophrenia”: a systematic overview of “Spice”‐related psychopathological issues and a case report
Duccio Papanti, Fabrizio Schifano, Giulia Botteon, F. Bertossi, Jason Mannix, Daniela Vidoni, Matteo Impagnatiello, Elisabetta Pascolo‐Fabrici, Tommaso Bonavigo
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2312 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSynthetic 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review with case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | SC users, primarily teenagers and young adults |
| Keywords | Psychosis Exacerbation Psychopathology Psychiatry Synthetic cannabinoids |
| Citations | 191 |
| Key finding | Synthetic cannabimimetics may trigger acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and exacerbate psychotic episodes in those with a previous psychiatric history. |
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The use of synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; "spice" drugs) is increasing, especially among teenagers and young adults. In parallel with this, the number of studies describing intoxication episodes associated with psychotic symptoms in SC users is growing. We present both a systematic review of the related literature and a case report, which seems to highlight the existence of a possible association between SC use and psychosis. METHODS: Some 223 relevant studies were here identified and reviewed. Out of these, 120 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 41 were finally included in the systematic review. RESULTS: According to the available data from the studies here identified, SC's average age of users was 22.97 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.16:1. SC compounds most often reported in studies using biological specimen analysis were JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, CP-47,497, and JWH-250. Mounting evidence seemed to suggest that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur in acute/chronic SC users. CONCLUSIONS: Although a clear causal link may not be here identified, the available evidence suggests that SC can trigger the onset of acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and/or the exacerbation of psychotic episodes in those with a previous psychiatric history.