Journal of dual diagnosis
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Journal of dual diagnosis · Jan 2014
Case ReportsUse of synthetic cannabinoids in patients with psychotic disorders: case series.
An increasing number of synthetic cannabinoids have become available on the black market in recent years, and health professionals have seen a corresponding increase in use of these compounds among patients with psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, there is almost no research available in the literature on this topic, and what little exists is based on case reports of individuals without psychiatric disorders. Synthetic cannabinoids are functionally similar to, but structurally different from, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active principle in cannabis, and are problematic for many reasons. ⋯ We assume that the acute effects of synthetic cannabinoids in patients with schizophrenia would be different from those in persons without psychotic disorders. The reasons for this difference could be the actual symptomatology of the presenting disorder, the impact of psychopharmacotherapy, individual patient differences and probably many, as yet unknown, factors. The long-term consequences of synthetic cannabinoid use on preexisting psychotic disorders are unclear.
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Journal of dual diagnosis · Jan 2014
Review Case ReportsOpiate dependence in schizophrenia: case presentation and literature review.
In the past decade opioid pain reliever misuse among the U. S. population has increased to epidemic proportions. While the U. ⋯ This case highlights the role of chronic pain and opioid prescribing, the segue from prescribed use to abuse and dependence, and the transition to heroin use. It demonstrates the difficulty patients may have in obtaining adequate treatment for co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse and how outcomes are improved when treatment is integrated to address both disorders. Comprehensive treatment must involve a combination of case management and medical management, including possible opioid replacement therapy.