In Colombia the traditional treatment model implies the needing of a total cessation of consume to be able to acces an impatientand long stance rehabilitation program. However, literature in other countries expériences had sugested and used a harm reduction program with an otpatien rehabilitation program.

As this programs are more cost-effective and enables the patient to continue his daily life, perpetuate his life style, keep and enhance the psychosocial network, an outpatient comprehensive multimodular program was designed to adapt to a health promotion company (EPS for its spanish acronym) and has been used since 2017.

• - share the expérience aquired in an undeveloped country of latin America

• - The tipification in the main substance consumption in the development group as well as it’s differentiation in gender and age group

Expérience and results

• - The majority of patients are men over women

• - the predominant age group is between 29-59 years old

• - there is a difference between the age group depending on the substance of impact

The experience have shown that up to 30% of the population treated have gotten to a controlled consumption or the total suspension without the needing of an impatient program In général thé patient have shown motivation and adherence to an outpatient program

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Efforts are critically needed to increase the armamentarium of options that clinicians can use to treat patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Numerous preclinical studies support the hypothesis that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) pharmacological antagonism may represent a novel and promising treatment for AUD. Namely, the non-selective MR antagonist spironolactone dose-dependently decreased 1) the intake of alcohol in mice in a model of alcohol binge drinking procedure and 2) alcohol self-administration in dependent and non-dependent rats (Farokhnia, Rentsch, Choung et al., Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27(11):4642-4652). Furthermore, two U.S.-based independent human pharmacoepidemiologic studies utilizing electronic health records data showed that patients treated with spironolactone for any indication reduced their weekly alcohol use in a primary care-type medical setting (Palzes et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46(12):2140-2147) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) score in a Veterans Affairs medical setting (Farokhnia, Rentsch, Choung et al., 2022; 27(11):4642-4652). In both studies, spironolactone-treated patients were compared to matched ones without spironolactone prescription using propensity score matching.

We are conducting a Phase 1b human study to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of spironolactone-alcohol co-administration and testing the safety and tolerability of spironolactone, alone and combined with alcohol in individuals with AUD.

Spironolactone in Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, within-subject, ascending dose study with spironolactone (0, 100, 200, 400 mg/day) PO for 5 days to reach steady-state, followed by oral fixed-dose alcohol administration aimed at reaching a blood alcohol level of approximately 0.08 %. Our sample consists of 12 adults diagnosed with AUD.

The primary endpoint is to measure spironolactone and alcohol PK during concomitant administration. Our secondary endpoints are 1) assessment of subjective and cognitive effects of acute alcohol administration during concomitant spironolactone treatment; 2) number and severity of adverse events (AEs) experienced, compared between placebo (0 mg/day) and all three spironolactone doses; 3) PK characteristic of spironolactone active metabolites, canrenone, 7-α-thiomethylspirolactone (TMS) and 6β-hydroxy-7α-thiomethylspirolactone (HTMS), before and after administration of alcohol. Recruitment is underway.

The above-mentioned preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that spironolactone may be repurposed for the treatment of AUD. Our Phase 1b study is a key step before moving to larger efficacy trials.

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Sustained alcohol intake, when combined with incomplete treatment, can result in chronic structural changes in the Central Nervous System, including generalized cortical and cerebellar atrophy, amnesic syndromes like Korsakoff’s syndrome, and white matter disorders such as Central Pontine Myelinolysis and Marchiafava-Bignami syndrome. It is crucial to prevent these complications due to their potential for irreversible and debilitating consequences. For Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, early recognition and thiamine administration for prevention are paramount, as it arises from thiamine deficiency due to malnutrition caused by persistent alcohol use. In the case of Central Pontine Myelinolysis, which is caused by abrupt fluctuations in serum osmolality, controlled sodium correction is essential.

Through a clinical case and a review of published literature, this study aims to reflect on the importance of preventing neurological injuries associated with chronic alcohol consumption, specifically Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis.

A literature review was conducted by searching for articles on PubMed using the terms “Alcohol Use Disorder,” “Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome,” and “Central pontine myelinolysis.” A clinical case is presented, featuring a 50-year-old patient with alcohol use disorder who developed Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis. Considering this case, we reflect on the primary approaches that could have been beneficial in preventing these complications and propose a straightforward method for doing so.

A 50-year-old patient presented with poor general condition, characterized by low weight, significant loss of strength in the limbs and arms, and incoherent speech with anterograde amnesia and confabulation. This condition had progressed to a point where the patient could no longer walk, perform basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating independently, underscoring the severity of his condition. The diagnoses of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis were established based on clinical manifestations and the presence of hyperintense lesions observed in the central pons on T2/FLAIR axial MRI scans. This clinical case highlights the importance of proper and precocious prevention of complications in patients with alcohol use disorder. The foremost step in preventing these complications is to treat alcohol dependence effectively, even when faced with patient resistance. It’s vital to remain vigilant about potential complications and implement suitable prophylactic measures.

The devastating effects of complications arising from Alcohol Use Disorder, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Central Pontine Myelinolysis, underscore the importance of enhanced attention that clinicians should provide when approaching these patients at all clinical interactions.

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Many individuals who suffer from one or multiple substance use disorders often also struggle with another co-morbid psychiatric condition, primarily anxiety disorders. As substance dependency develops, the loss of self-control becomes a pivotal issue, leading to challenges in self-esteem and self-respect. These challenges subsequently give rise to problems in interpersonal communication and close relationships. In addition to the biological model of substance use problems and highly manualized approaches, it is crucial to have a systemic understanding of the patient’s situation and appropriate treatment settings. This understanding allows for the proper consideration of individual differences and requirements, ultimately enabling better treatment and prevention strategies.

Our aim is to present a comprehensive case that shows various facets of addiction and introduce a systemic therapy concept of an integrative/systemic day clinic from Germany.

Through a detailed case presentation, we will introduce a systemic-psychotherapeutic day-clinic concept from a psychiatric training hospital in Wunstorf, Germany.

Case: In the case of a 48-year-old female patient initially diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder, it was later revealed that she also deals with alcohol addiction and its interconnectedness with sex addiction. Shame and a lack of self-esteem in relationships played a central role in her journey. She does not perceive herself to be loved but to be harmed, which led to many violent sexual acts that increased her feelings of shame. Systemic therapeutic approaches like family constellations were applied, helping her to experience her child-ego states. This profound insight propelled her willingness to change. She began prioritizing self-care, learning to like, accept, and eventually love herself. Aromatherapy aided in calming and maintaining focus. The patient learned to redefine her emotions, aligning them with reality, thereby enabling the adaptive fulfillment of her needs.

Our interdisciplinary team at the day clinic employs therapeutic approaches like dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapy to thoroughly understand the patients and their conditions. This case underscores the significance of an individually tailored treatment drawing from diverse therapeutic concepts, especially in patients with addiction. The combination of different therapeutic approaches facilitates a profound engagement with the patient, potentially resulting in more intensive therapeutic work and a higher rate of success which should be evaluated in future studies.

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Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. there is a complex interplay of neurobiology, genetics, and the environment --nature and nurture-- that play into the development of addiction, alcohol, and other drug use disorder.Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs.

Research has shown that women often use drugs differently, respond to drugs differently, andcan have unique obstacles to effective treatment as simple as not being able to find child care orbeing prescribed treatment that has not been adequately tested on women.

describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of female patients admitted to the addictology department of Arrazi Hospital in Salé

Retrospective study with descriptive and analytical aims on the files of women who were admitted to the addictology service since its opening in 2000, with the aim of specifying the prevalence and the characteristics of addictive behaviors in the female population.

in progress

in progress

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Gaming Disorder (GD) has not been officially recognized as a diagnostic entity in the DSM-5, being listed in the “conditions for further study” section. However, it is described in the ICD-11, and clinically, it is observed that an increasing number of individuals, particularly the younger population with easier access to technology, are affected by this issue. Nefarious consequences include loss of performance at school/work and a potential for failing other responsibilities such as in the familiar and social spheres.

Despite its harm, psychiatrists are generally less familiar with this entity when compared to other psychiatric disorders. Thus, our main goal was to establish a comprehensive and hollistic review of its approach.

A bibliographical research on the topic was conducted from the available scientific literature on the topic, with the utmost priorization of evidence-based sources.

The overall prevalence of Gaming Disorder is challenging to assess precisely, but it is estimated to be around 3%, making it comparable to obsessive-compulsive disorder and some substance use disorders. It is more common than pathological gambling. Clinically, GD is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with gaming that supersedes all aspects of life. It may also involve a compulsion to play and the presence of withdrawal symptoms from periods when there are no gaming activities. The behavior is driven by the ACE triad (anonymity, convenience, and escape). Often, individuals with GD do not seek treatment. Although there are no specific pharmacological agents, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and naltrexone have shown some success. In psychotherapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy has the strongest evidence.

There is a limited amount of information on GD, and when researching the topic, one primarily encounters information on other substance-related addictive disorders and, in the case of behavioral disorders, gambling. However, as young people are increasingly exposed to screens and video games with potential harmful effects on their development, and in adults, inhibiting them from taking on work and family responsibilities, it is essential to conduct more studies on the subject to prevent these deleterious consequences.

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Alcohol addiction can lead to withdrawal seizures, but most patients do not develop epilesy. In some cases a permanent complication occurs - symptomatic epilepsy. In other cases epilepsy precedes alcohol addiction. Comorbidity may pose serious chalenges to treating clinicians. There are conflicting data regarding relationship between alcohol use, seizures and epilepsy (Scorza CA et al.,CLINICS 2020;75:e1770). Other factors like brain trauma may have impact in genesis of epileptic states as well.

Evaluation of interplay between seizures, epilepsy and brain trauma in patients with alcohol use disorder.

Analysis of a case series in a hospital setting and review of relevant literature.

In our series of cases the number of patients who have suffered epilepsy before the onset of alcohol use is small. In most of the hospitalized patients epilepsy occurred after the development of alcohol use disorder. In this group we observed that head and brain trauma play role in genesis of seizures and epilepsy and in some instances the reverse happens.

Our data indicate the potential role of brain trauma as predisposing and complicating factor in patients who developed seisures and epilepsy. Seizures sometimes increase the risk of brain trauma. Seizures and trauma are important factors in typology of Lesch (Lesch et al. 2011) and a serious evaluation in this direction is improtant, because its diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications. Further clarification in this field is necessary.

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Buddha Blue, or PTC for “Pète Ton Crâne”, is a synthetic drug particularly popular with young people. It is sold as a liquid to be inhaled in electronic cigarettes.

To discuss the clinical manifestations and psychopathology associated with PTC.

We shed light on PTC addiction through clinical vignettes of patients who were hospitalized in pediatrics at the Gonesse hospital.

We received two male patients with manifestations of PTC intoxication or withdrawal. One of the patients presented with an acute delirious flush requiring long-term treatment, while the second presented with somatic manifestations of pain and vomiting, as well as psychiatric manifestations such as hallucinations, without meeting the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Both cases required addictological follow-up and child psychiatric therapy.

PTC addiction can lead to life-threatening complications, hence the importance of prevention and screening in order to institute early and effective treatment.

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Smoking among university professionals could influence student smoking behavior, making it important to understand the associated factors to prevent this phenomenon.

To determine the prevalence of smoking among University staff in Sfax, Tunisia, and identify its associated factors.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 100 university staff. The questionnaire included socio-professional characteristics, assessment of physical workload using the Borg CR-10 scale, and evaluation of nicotine dependence using the Fagerström test.

Our study included 62 participants, with 67.7% of them being women. Active smoking was reported by 50% of male participants. We observed symptoms of severe to very severe depression, anxiety, and stress in 6.4%, 22.5%, and 9.7% of our participants, respectively. Nicotine dependence, as assessed by the Fagerström test, was high to very high in half of the smokers. Bivariate analysis indicated a significant association between smoking and male gender, perceived workload (33.9%), and body mass index.

Smoking among university staff is a prevalent phenomenon, especially among male participants. The association of smoking with perceived workload suggests the need for preventive measures to reduce these physical constraints. It is paramount to take actions to encourage smoking cessation among university staff.

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In the workplace, a smoke-free environment is crucial to guaranteeing the health of workers and those around them. Understanding the relationship between smoking and work is a prerequisite for implementing effective tobacco control measures.

To assess the prevalence of smoking in an electricity and gas company in Sfax and to determine the relationship between workers’ nicotine dependence and perceived workload.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey evaluating the smoking behavior of 100 employees of an electricity and gas company. The survey was carried out from July to December 2022 using a two-part questionnaire. The first part was completed by the participants, and the second was administered by the interviewer. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test, while perceived workload was evaluated using the raw NASA-TLX questionnaire.

Our study population consisted of 82 male participants. Active smoking was reported by 45.1% of participants. Among smokers, 40.5% had moderate to high nicotine dependence as assessed by the Fagerström test. According to the raw NASA-TLX questionnaire, the mean scores for mental, physical, and temporal demands were 88.8±13.5, 63.6±24.7, and 59.1±28.4, respectively. The mean scores for effort, performance, and frustration were 83.8±14, 85.4±13.1, and 34.5±28.1, respectively. Bivariate analysis indicated an inverse correlation between nicotine dependence and physical demands at work. However, a significant positive correlation was found between nicotine dependence and frustration at work.

Smoking among electricity and gas company workers is a prevalent issue, highlighting the urgent need for smoking cessation interventions. The association of smoking with perceived workload underscores the importance of preventive measures to reduce work-related stress.

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Internet use can become uncontrollable, leading to physical and psychological suffering and what is known as cyberaddiction.

To assess the frequency of cyberaddiction in a population of young doctors.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study of a population of young doctors. We collected socio-professional and medical data using a Google Forms self-questionnaire. The Young scale was recommended for screening for cyberaddiction. A score ≥5 indicates Internet addiction. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was adopted to reveal anxiety-depressive disorders.

A total of 45 physicians responded to our survey. The mean age was 29.93±4.8 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.3. Participants were single in 69% of cases. Residents represented 64% of the population. Physicians were family medicine residents in 11% of cases. The mean Young’s score was 3.13±1.97/8. Cyberaddiction was noted in 24% of cases. A definite anxiety-depressive disorder was found in 6.7% and 13.3% of cases respectively. Internet addiction was significantly associated with female gender (p<0.05) and a positive HAD (A) score (p=0.03).

According to the results of our study, cyberaddiction is common among medical staff. A preventive strategy is needed to counter the harmful effects of this addiction.

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Excessive use of tobacco, alcohol and other illicit drugs has a negative impact on the physical and mental health and work capacity of users. Physicians are no exception to these dreadful practices.

To assess tobacco and alcohol use among medical staff and the factors associated with these uses.

Descriptive cross-sectional study of physicians practicing in different Tunisian hospitals. The levels of tobacco and alcohol dependence were assessed by the Fangeström and AUDIT tests. Anxiety and depression disorders were screened by the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD)

A total of 45 physicians participated in our study. The average professional seniority was 3.36 ± 3.5 years. The mean age was 32.11 ± 6.08 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.32. The participants were medical residents in 64% of the cases. The frequency of smoking was estimated at 24%. The level of smoking dependence was high in 9% of cases. Men were more addicted to nicotine than women (p=0.014). Alcohol consumption was 18%, made up of 62% of women; with a strong dependence rate in 25% of users. Definite anxiety disorders were found in 7% of cases and definite depressive disorders were present in 13% of cases. No correlation between medical specialty, grade, anxiety disorders and level of dependence was observed.

Doctors seem to be particularly affected by addictive behaviours and psycho-emotional disorders which could sustain these practices. Awareness-raising sessions and special monitoring must be introduced to combat these scourges.

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Child depression is a public health problem. Its association with internet addiction (IA) could increase the frequency of complications and have a significant impact on the child’s psychological well-being, schooling, family and social life.

To study the clinical profile and associated factors of IA in a population of primary school children with depressive disorders.

This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of 182 children with depression attending four primary schools in the government of Sfax. The study took place from 1 March 2022 to 30 June 2022. In the present study, we administered the following psychometric scales: Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS- 47), Birleson Depression Scale Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

The mean age of the children studied was 9.9 ±1.17 years and the sex ratio was 0.8. Mean score of Internet Addiction Test was 40 ±4,46. In addition, Internet addiction was identified in 73.6% of students with depression (N=143). Following a univariate analysis, internet addiction among depressed Childrens was positively correlated to individual factors such as the absence of leisure activity, the number of hours per day spent on the internet (1.63 VS 3.25, P < 0.001) and interest in accessing Tiktok (p=0.002). Internet addiction in depressed children also depended on family factors. Internet addiction was more common among childrens with a medium to high family socio-economic level (P < 0.001) in cases where parent-child communication was deemed unsatisfactory (P = 0.002) and in cases of verbal violence (P < 0.001). We were also able to establish a significant link between internet addiction among depressed pupils and significant symptoms of anxiety (P=0.019) and low self-esteem (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression revealed that medium to high socio-economic level, unsatisfactory parent-child communication, absence of leisure activities and significant symptoms of social phobia were independent predictors of Internet addiction in children with depression.

Our study highlighted the high frequency of IA in children with depression and demonstrated the implication of certain variables such as medium to high socio-economic status, disruption of the family environment, anxiety and low self-esteem. The identification of these different factors would make it possible to identify a group at risk of IA. This raises the case for introducing prevention and awareness-raising campaigns on IA among depressed children, targeting these groups and targeting health professionals and parents.

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In recent years, interest has grown in understanding the particularities of addiction in women. One of these singularities, with an important impact on public health, is pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy has increased in recent decades. Given that addiction is mainly a chronic disease of the brain circuits of reward, motivation and memory, an event such as pregnancy does not exempt people who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) from the difficulties of achieving abstinence. Moreover, as addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission, pregnant women can also suffer a relapse even if they previously had achieved abstinence. On the other hand, given that addiction is a disease with a significant social component, we can find patients in precarious economic and social situations who suffer unwanted and therefore unplanned pregnancies.

To describe the case of a pregnant woman with SUD for multiple drugs who is admitted to the inpatient ward of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona for detoxification. Also to reflect, taking in to account gender perspective, on the particularities of substance use in women on childbearing age.

We present the case of a 25-year-old woman, six weeks pregnant and homeless, who was admitted to the inpatient ward for presumed psychotic symptoms. Even if the patient had a history of intravenous heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine use, during the admission she only admitted current alcohol consumption (3 UBE/day). During admission, the patient decided to undergo a legal voluntary abortion. Regarding this case, we did a literature review on the consequences of different substances use to pregnancy (to both the fetus and the mother’s health). Likewise, we reflected on interventions that could be carried out in community mental health facilities to detect cases like the one exposed and provide help.

Poor obstetric outcomes are six times higher in patients who use substances. Newborns can have withdrawal syndrome, spontaneous abortion, pre-term birth, fetal malformations and fetal growth restriction. More than 50% of women of reproductive age use drugs, mainly alcohol. Routine screening and education of women of reproductive age is the best way to reduce substance use during pregnancy.

We consider it essential for a better management of these patients to remember that the evidence suggests that the decisions that addicts make are mainly driven by a pathology, not by a moral failure. However, pregnancy can be a moment of greater motivation to stop using drugs, given that it is a high risk situation for the mother and the fetus.

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Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has emerged as a widespread social challenge and is characterised by an individual’s inability to regulate their internet use, culminating in a negative impact on their daily life. It is vital to explore the possible mediating relationship between psychological distress and unregulated Internet use.

The study aims to explore the relationship between problematic Internet use, psychological distress and quality of life.

In this cross-sectional study, participants engaged in a structured data collection process using Google Forms, responding to a series of questions developed through a quantitative methodology using a Likert scale questionnaire.

The K-6 Distress Scale and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) were used in conjunction with questions about demographics and problematic internet use.The integration of these multiple measures aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the effects and patterns of Internet use and its association with different levels of distress and demographic variables.

Statistical data analysis revealed notable associations between psychological distress and several variables, including age, education, employment status and health, but no significant associations were found with place of residence or marital status. Significant associations were also found between problematic Internet use (PIU) and variables such as age, education, employment, marital status and health. However, no significant association was found with place of residence. Quality of life was also found to be correlated with age, employment status and health, but not with marital status or educational attainment. In addition, the analysis revealed a strong association between problematic internet use (PIU) and psychological distress. A concurrent increase in reported psychological distress was observed as PIU levels escalated, reinforcing the relationship between excessive internet use and psychological wellbeing. This suggests that PIU may be associated with increased levels of mental distress in the population studied.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of mental distress, PIU, and quality of life in relation to demographic factors. It underscores the importance of holistic approaches to mental health that consider individual characteristics and behaviors, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges posed by problematic internet use. Further research and tailored interventions are needed to better understand and support people facing these complex issues.

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Psychotropic substance use among medical residents represents a critical concern due to its potential impact on patient care and practitioner well-being. This topic looks into the prevalence and characteristics of psychotropic substance use, including prescription medications and illicit drugs, among individuals pursuing medical residency. Understanding the scope of the problem and its distinctive features is essential for developing targeted interventions and support mechanisms within the medical community.

To assess psychotropic substance use among medical residents, describe its characteristics and determine the prevalence of problematic use.

We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive studyamong Tunisian medical residents over a three-month period (August - September 2022) using an online survey. Different specialties and levels of residency were included. An online self-questionnaire was used including a data collection form and the DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test) scale. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 20th version software

Among the 80 residents in our study, 19 (23.8%) reported psychotropic substance use, and 12 (15%) reportedthat they had misused psychotropic drugs at least once in their lives (without a prescription and/or with a prescription but not following the instructions). The most commonly psychotropic drugs used were benzodiazepines, followed by amphetamines, analgesics, anesthetics, and pregabalin (28%, 16%, 12%, 12%, 12%, respectively).

Consumption was regular for 41.7% of those who reported psychotropic drugs misuse. The initiation of psychotropic use followed a desire to experiment various substances (41.7%), a medical prescription (33.3%), or their availability due to medical practice (25%). Self-medication and recreational use were the most common reasons for use (41.7% each). Furthermore, 31.6% of consumers revealed a problematic substance use as assessed by the DAST-10 scale.

Our study showed a concerning prevalence of psychotropic substance use among medical residents, benzodiazepines being the most prevalent. Notably, 15% acknowledged misuse and a significant proportion displayed problematic substance use. These results highlight the potential health risks and the importance of addressing this issue within the medical community.

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Cannabis use is very common worldwide. Its consumption could be explained by recreational purposes as it can be motivated by some psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.

This study aims to explore the relationship between cannabis use, depression, anxiety and self-esteem among a population of Tunisian adults living abroad.

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire on young Tunisians people who have completed their secondary studies at the pilot high school of Sfax and currently residing abroad. The survey questionnaire was designed on Google Forms. It included a data collection sheet and psychometric scales “Cannabis Abuse Screening Test” (CAST), “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) and”Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale”.

The sample consisted of 35 Tunisian young adults. 17 participants (48.6%) reported a cannabis use behavior. It was done with friends in a festive setting in 88% of cases (N=15). According to the CAST, 17,6% (N=3) of cannabis users were at high risk of cannabis dependence. Anxiety was present in 17,6% (N=3) and depression in 17,6% (N=3) of participants. Self-esteem was low in 23,53% (N=4) of participants.

Cannabis use was not associated with the presence of current emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression (p=0.894 and p=0.933 respectively). It was also not associated with lower self-esteem (p=0.585).

Cannabis use is relatively common among young Tunisian emigrants without evolving towards dependence inseveral cases. This behavior seems to be more influenced by social factors and misrepresentations about cannabis than by psychological disturbance.

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Tunisian emigrants may consume psychoactive substances in other countries. This community is exposed to sociocultural and legal contexts different from those in Tunisia and the degree of acculturation would tend to increase over time. However, data on the use of psychoactive substances, particularly cannabis, in this particular population are scarce.

This study aims to determine the profile of Tunisian young adults residing abroad who use cannabis.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study. It was carried out in the form of an online survey. We focused on young Tunisians people who have completed their secondary studies at the pilot high school of Sfax and currently residing abroad. Data collection was through Google Forms administred questionnaire.

Thirty-five participants were included in our study. Cannabis use behavior affected 48.6% of them (N=17)) and it was done with friends in a festive setting in 88% of cases (N=15). Cannabis use was more common among people who were single (p=0.001), living alone (p=0.047), had a psychiatric history (p=0.032) and hanging out with friends who also smoked cannabis (p=0.032).Cannabis use was also more common among cigarette smokers (p=0.000) and alcohol consumers (p=0.000). It was significantly more common among people who shared erroneous beliefs about cannabis, that it is a mild drug (p= 0.024) and that it does not cause dependence (p= p=0.042).

Cannabis use among Tunisian young adults residing abroad seems to be a form of poly-consumption, more common among singles, living alone and having a psychiatric vulnerability. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to address cannabis use within this specific population.

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Individuals who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) are at increased risk of Hepatitis C (HCV). Mount Carmel Hospital (MCH) is the only public service in-patient mental health care facility on the island of Malta. Individuals with SUD are referred to MCH for support with comorbid mental health conditions.

To assess whether current practice meets the UK Clinical Guidelines on Drug Misuse and Dependence (2017) recommendations- yearly screening for HCV, further testing and referral to infectious disease specialists for those who screen positive for HCV. To compare current practice at MCH, Malta with other countries in the European Union and United Kingdom.

Retrospective analysis of HCV screening, investigation and referral practices as recorded on iSoft Clinical Manager records for SUD-related admissions to MCH under the care of addiction specialists in 2022 (n=120). Admissions data were provided by the data protection office, with permission from the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and de-identified at source to safeguard patient confidentiality.

60% (n=72) of the SUD inpatient population underwent screening for HCV according to guideline recommendations. 37% (n=44) of this cohort has received a positive HCV antibody result. 32 persons had HCV RNA load records, 34% (n=11) of whom had a detectable viral load. 50% (n=17) of those who screened positive for HCV were offered an appointment with an infectious disease specialist within the year, 7 attended. The table below compares HCV status between our group and published data for the UK, Austria and Greece. Despite heterogeneity in study designs and populations (we describe an inpatient cohort with diagnosed SUD, not all of whom inject drugs) comparable proportions have undergone HCV screening in the preceding twelve months and similar proportions have chronic HCV infection.

Most SUD inpatients at MCH undergo HCV screening according to guideline recommendations but current practice falls short of ideal coverage and follow-up care. Current screening practices and chronic HCV infection rates at MCH are comparable to other countries in the EU and UK.

None Declared

Since that the online commerce provides an important shopping environment, it has been argued that traditional buying-shopping disorder may migrate into the online market.

The aims of the current study were to investigate the prevalence of online buying-shopping disorder, and to determine sociodemographic and psychological factors related to this addictive behavior.

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted among subjects who had already made at least one online shopping. Data was collected using a self-questionnaire published by GOOGLE FORMS. Assessment included the short version of the Internet Addiction Test modified for online shopping sites (s-IATshop). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) has been used to assess anxiety and depression.

A total of 137 participants aged 34.62 ± 9.82 years completed the online questionnaire.

Only 4 (2.9%) participants had a probable compulsive buying shopping on line.

The HADS-A score ranged from 0 to 14, with a mean of 6.85 +/- 3.49 and almost half of the participants (44.5%; N=61) had anxiety symptoms.

A high s-IAT shopping score was correlated with secondary or university education (p=0.046). We also found that women, who were younger and had higher incomes, had the highest scores on the s-IAT-shopping scale, without however confirming statistical significance.

Our study has shown the potential vulnerability factors for compulsive online shopping disorder. Thus, this behaviour deserves to be taken into account in behavioural addictions.

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