CLINICAL-DIAGNOSTIC PECULIARITIES OF WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME CAUSED BY CONSUMPTION OF HOME-MADE DRUG SYNTHESIZED FROM...

According to the above-mentioned, the study aiming at description of clinico-diasgnostical peculiarities of withdrawal states caused by consumption of Ephedra plant home-made drug - "Vint" has been conducted. 50 patients 20-65 of age, hospitalized with ephedrone withdrawal effect (withdrawal effect caused by consumption of the drug prepared from Ephedra plant or classic "Vint"), were involved in the study conducted at Narcological Clinic "Neogeni". The patients were divided into two main groups: in the first group were united the patients with the withdrawal effect caused by consumption of the drug prepared from Ephedra plant and in the second group -"classical pharmaceutical "Vint" consumers. Patients were selected and diagnosed according to the ICD-10 criteria. The study was conducted on the basis of informed consent, keeping with the bioethical principles. The withdrawal state, particularly expression of its individual symptoms has been evaluated in patients of both groups. Intensity of withdrawal state was assessed before treatment and after 2 weeks of stationary/inpatient treatment according to Amphetamine Withdrawal Assessment Scale (Amphetamine Withdrawal Assessment Scale, Drug & Alcohol Services Council, SA, 2002). The affective anxieties in patients of the study group were assessed on the base of Beck Anxiety Inventory scale/scoring and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The craving intensity was measured according to the Brief Substance Craving Scale. As a result of the study, it was concluded that after termination consuming the Ephedra plant-produced preparation "Vint" the patients had developed: more severe withdrawal state and relatively less - moderate and mild withdrawal states. The rate of craving for drug, depression, personal and situational anxiety were high as well. The Patients of the first group developed a relatively severe withdrawal state, the rates of depression and craving were high as well; as for the indicators of individual and situational anxiety no substantial changes were revealed. 2-week complex treatment resulted in expressed positive dynamics in regards to the above-mentioned disorders. It is noteworthy to mention that after treatment no suicidal ideation or psychotic disorders were observed in any patient. The severity of withdrawal state, as well as the indicators of depression and anxiety were significantly decreased.