“Post-hoc” considerations and analysis from “Spiceophrenia” Systematic Review. NPS Conference Swansea 2013

Introduction Synthetic cannabimimetics (‘Spice’; SC) were identified in the ‘Spice’ compounds in 2009, and the first SC-related psychotic disturbance was anecdotally described in 2010. Most evidence relating to short/medium-term adverse effects associated with SC intake are based on case reports/series and retrospective toxicology surveys. Method We have already performed a descriptive analysis of psychopathological issues related to SC intake .We aimed here at better describing the typology of the published studies, whilst taking into account the discipline of the peer reviewed journals. Results The typology of the studies included here: toxicology surveys/laboratory studies (32%; 13/41); case reports/series (61%; 25/41), surveys on adverse effects reported by users (7%; 4/41). Main disciplines of journals where the papers where published included: General Medicine/Paediatrics (7/41); Addiction Medicine/Psychiatry (14/41); and Toxicology/Emergency Medicine (19/41). Conclusion Academic psychiatry has traditionally investigated issues associated with an increased risk of psychosis following cannabis/phytocannabinoids’ intake, and research focusing on the link between SC intake and psychotic disturbances is quite new. Although psychopathological issues related to misusing substances’ intake clearly pertain to Addiction Psychiatry, most papers here identified were published by Emergency Medicine/Toxicology Journals. A clear gap/delay between occurrence of SC-related Toxicology/Emergency Medicine (19/41) clinical observations and publishing relevant results was here identified.