Ayşe Altıntoprak - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ayşe Altıntoprak
Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry
Dusunen Adam: The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences
Prevalence of risky behaviors and relationship of risky behaviors with substance use among univer... more Prevalence of risky behaviors and relationship of risky behaviors with substance use among university students Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of risky behaviors, frequently encountered in young adulthood, and the relationship between such behaviors and substance use in the university population. Method: This cross sectional, web-based, self-report study was carried out in a state university with 53,003 students. The power analysis was conducted according to the lowest prevalence (0.01%-0.6%) of substance use in universities in Turkey. A sample of 3,184 people was found to be sufficient for the research. The data of 2,973 individuals who completed the Addiction Profile Index was evaluated. Frequency tests, Pearson chi-square and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. Results: As participants 1,629 (54.8%) females and 1,344 (45.2%) males were included in the study. Suicidal plans or attempts and self-harming behaviors were significantly more prevalent among female students; carrying a weapon (penknife/knife/gun), engaging in physical fights, sustaining injuries in physical fights, early sexual relation experiences, condom usage, cigarette, alcohol, energy drink and substance consumption were significantly more prevalent among male students (p<0.001). Frequent suicidal plans or attempts (11.3 times) and early sexual experiences, before the age of 15 (16.6 times) were found to be riskier behaviors with regard to substance use; as the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and energy drink increased, so did the risk of substance use. Conclusion: Gender is a distinctive characteristic with regard to risky behaviors among young people. The relationship between risky behaviors and substance use suggests that one risky behavior may lead to another. As such, it is necessary to evaluate the substance use among young people with risky behaviors and to examine other risky behaviors which accompany the substance use problems.
The Bulletin of Legal Medicine, 2016
Amaç: Cinsel suçlar, tüm dünyada her yaş grubundaki insanı tehdit eden toplumsal bir sorundur. Ci... more Amaç: Cinsel suçlar, tüm dünyada her yaş grubundaki insanı tehdit eden toplumsal bir sorundur. Cinsel suçların, mağdurda birçok ruhsal hastalığa zemin hazırladığı bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Ruh Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı Erişkin Adli Kurul’da raporları düzenlenen cinsel saldırı mağdurlarının demografik özellikleri, suç konusu olayların özellikleri ve düzenlenen raporların sonuçları değerlendirilerek literatürdeki diğer çalışmalarla karşılaştırılması amaçlandı.Yöntem: Adli Makamlar tarafından 2012 – 2014 yılları arasında … Ruh Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı Erişkin Adli Kurul’a rapor düzenlenmesi nedeniyle dosyası ile birlikte gönderilen olgulara ait kayıtlar; olguların demografik özellikleri, rapor istem makamı, olayın türü ve tarihi, saldırgana ait bilgiler, olguların muayene bulguları ile düzenlenen raporların sonucu açılarından retrospektif olarak incelenerek, elde edilen veriler Windows için SPSS 18 istatistik programı ile değerlendirildi.Bulgular: 01 Ocak 20...
Journal of Substance Use, 2016
Background: Studies about the effects of cannabis on male sexual function have contradictory resu... more Background: Studies about the effects of cannabis on male sexual function have contradictory results. This contradiction is thought to depend on the subjective assessment of the patient or on the use of non-validated questionnaires. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function of male patients with cannabis use disorder by a validated questionnaire and to compare them with a healthy control group. Methods: 47 male patients with cannabis use disorder and without any comorbid psychiatric disorders were included in this study. The education level and age of the patients were matched with 33 healthy male participants. In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics, the pattern of cannabis use and sexual life were also questioned. Sexual function was evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function. Results: The scores of erectile function and orgasmic function in the patient group were found significantly lower than the control group. Erectile dysfunction was significantly more frequently reported in the patient group than the control group. Sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction scores did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that sexual function should be inquired in men with cannabis use disorder. These findings could be used in prevention studies focused on cannabis use disorder.
ABSTRACT Objectives Higher than expected rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)... more ABSTRACT Objectives Higher than expected rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are found in populations with Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Studies incorporating structured psychiatric diagnostic interviews assessing ADHD and other disorders in substance abusing groups have indicated that from one quarter of adults with SUD and one-half of adolescents with SUD have ADHD. The main aim of this study to obtain a current data that the link between ADHD and SUD. Methods A total of 281 one-year inpatients (aged 14-70) data was screened retrospectively. The patients who are elder than 35 years old and have only alcohol use disorder were not included. Seventytwo inpatients were eveluated according to age,education level, gender, firstly used age, abstinence duration, SUD in family and any diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Subjects were only selected if a clear diagnostic procedure for ADHD was described, and diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Results Fifty-five (76.4%) of the participants were found to meet DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD was 78.2% in men and 21.8% in women. Overall, the most of individiuals with ADHD were not diagnosed in childhood. We found that subjects with ADHD had an earlier onset of SUD compared to without ADHD group (before 15 years) [x2 (1)= 32,998 p&lt;0.001]. The two groups did not show any significant differences in primary substance of abuse, because cannabis was the most endorced substance for abuse and dependence. We seperated all other drugs into different categories such as cannabis, heroin, hallisinogene, amphetamine, volatile, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and no statistical significant differences were found between two groups (all values, p&gt;0.05). Only using ecstasy showed statistically significant differences between ADHD and non-ADHD groups [x2 (1)= 4.124, p&lt;0.05]. However, abuse and dependence of synthetic cannabinoids were found significant association with ADHD group in comparison with non-ADHD group [x2 (1)= 5.493, p&lt;0.05]. No statistical significant differences were observed between ADHD and non-ADHD subjects as far as mean age, gender, education level were concerned. Limitations Retrospective design and limited sample size. Conclusions The present study aims to obtain information of the prevalence of comorbid ADHD in inpatients with SUD in our country. Our findings suggest that ADHD is a significant risk factor for the development of SUD. Further research is needed to confirm our findings. Key words ADHD, substance use disorder, retrospective, inpatient, synthetic cannabinoids
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2005
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2006
Noropsikiyatri Arsivi
Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly f... more Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly for assessing opiate withdrawal.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2015
Journal de Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive, 2004
Schémas, culture et facilitation mémorielle chez des sujets alcoolo-dépendants S. RUSINEK (1) , A... more Schémas, culture et facilitation mémorielle chez des sujets alcoolo-dépendants S. RUSINEK (1) , A. KARAUZUM (1) , C. DE SAINT-AUBERT (2) , P. GRAZIANI (3) , E. ALTINTOPRAK (4) , H. COSKUNOL (4) , O. DONAT EKER (4)
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2009
It is reported that there are many risk factors for the development of separation anxiety disorde... more It is reported that there are many risk factors for the development of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) in children and adolescents. One of the most important factors is the mother-child relationship. It is thought that the temperamental characteristics of the mother have an important role to play in the quality of this relationship. The present study aimed to determine the temperamental characteristics of mothers whose preschool children were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder. The study included 60 mothers of children with separation anxiety disorder (diagnosed between 4 and 7 years of age) and 60 mothers of healthy children who were matched by sociodemographic factors with children with SAD. All cases were evaluated with a sociodemographic form, the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) and The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San-Diego Auto questionnaire (TEMPS-A). Mean age of the children (32 female, 28 male) was 5.12+/-.0.85 years. The children with an an...
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2008
It is well known that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders is increasing and represents an imp... more It is well known that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders is increasing and represents an important health problem worldwide. Nonetheless, there are an insufficient number of population-based prevalence studies on alcohol use disorders among the general population and women in Turkey. Among the studies performed in Turkey, it has been reported that alcohol use disorders are more common among males and that alcohol use among females is increasing, as in other countries. The alcohol use among females differs from males' in many respects. The purpose of this article was to review the physical differences between males and females relevant to the metabolism of alcohol, and to organic and mental problems caused by alcohol use. In addition we sought to draw attention to the necessity for effective preventative and treatment methods for women.
Treatment Approaches and Toxicological Analysis for Substance Abusers who are being on Probation ... more Treatment Approaches and Toxicological Analysis for Substance Abusers who are being on Probation The widespread individual and social problems dependent on illicit substance use, provocated the new legislative approaches. In 5272 numbered Turkish Penalty Code's 109th paragraph, it is suggested that probation measures which is related to "The evaluation according to a psychiatrist clinical diagnosis with laboratory findings for therapies
Case Reports in Psychiatry, 2015
Inhalant abuse is a problem that is getting more common all around the world. The increase in pre... more Inhalant abuse is a problem that is getting more common all around the world. The increase in prevalence of inhalant abuse escalates morbidity and mortality rates. About 22% of people using inhalant have died at their first attempt. Particularly propane, butane, or propane-butane mixture has highest mortality rates. Sudden sniffing death syndrome, cardiomyopathy, central nervous system toxicity, hematological abnormalities, kidney toxicity, and hepatocellular toxicities are the major complications of inhalant abuse. Herein we present a patient with inhalant use disorder. At the age of 19, after a stressful life event he had unsuccessfully tried to suicide by inhaling LPG (liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture of butane and propane gases). After he realized that he had hallucinations and felt better during the inhalation, he started to abuse it. He was addicted to LPG for 10 years at the time of admission. Besides being dangerous for the society security, this intense level of LPG inhal...
Nöro Psikiyatri Arşivi, 2014
Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly f... more Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly for assessing opiate withdrawal.
Yöntem: AAB tanisi konan 4-7 yaş arasi 60 çocuğun ve herhangi bir hastalik nedeniyle tedavi görme... more Yöntem: AAB tanisi konan 4-7 yaş arasi 60 çocuğun ve herhangi bir hastalik nedeniyle tedavi görmeyen sosyo- demografik özellikler açisindan birebir eşleştirilmiş 60 çocuğun anneleri çalişmaya alinmiştir. Tüm olgular için sosyodemografik veri formu, Çocuklar için Davraniş Değerlendirme Ölçeği (ÇDDÖ), Mizaç Değerlendirme Ölçeği (TEMPS-A) uygulanmiştir. Bulgular: Hastalarin yaş ortalamalari 5,12 (±.0,85) olup 32'si kiz, 28'i erkektir. AAB olan grubun ÇDDÖ'de tüm
Turkish Journal of Psychiatry, 2000
Pregabalin is a new generation antiepileptic that exerts its effect by decreasing the release of ... more Pregabalin is a new generation antiepileptic that exerts its effect by decreasing the release of such neurotransmitters as glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P. Pregabalin can be prescribed in Turkey at 150-600 mg to treat neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and as concomitant therapy in adult patients with partial epilepsy. Experimental studies have shown that pregabalin could be beneficial in the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal, as well as for relapse prevention in patients with alcohol dependence. Nonetheless, the number of case reports on the abuse potential of pregabalin has increased. Herein we present a patient with pregabalin dependence. The patient's underlying alcohol and polysubstance dependence, and symptoms of generalized anxiety were thought to contribute to the development of pregabalin dependence. The patient reported that he had experienced severe withdrawal symptoms when he tried to stop using pregabalin. Bupropion and low-dose quetiapine were added to his paroxetine treatment, and pregabalin was discontinued gradually. Following this treatment the patient had not exhibited any signs of pregabalin dependence for one month. Although pregabalin is a promising drug for various psychiatric disorders, it should be used carefully in patients with a history of substance dependence.
Neurology, Psychiatry and Brain Research, 2013
Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry
Dusunen Adam: The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences
Prevalence of risky behaviors and relationship of risky behaviors with substance use among univer... more Prevalence of risky behaviors and relationship of risky behaviors with substance use among university students Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of risky behaviors, frequently encountered in young adulthood, and the relationship between such behaviors and substance use in the university population. Method: This cross sectional, web-based, self-report study was carried out in a state university with 53,003 students. The power analysis was conducted according to the lowest prevalence (0.01%-0.6%) of substance use in universities in Turkey. A sample of 3,184 people was found to be sufficient for the research. The data of 2,973 individuals who completed the Addiction Profile Index was evaluated. Frequency tests, Pearson chi-square and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. Results: As participants 1,629 (54.8%) females and 1,344 (45.2%) males were included in the study. Suicidal plans or attempts and self-harming behaviors were significantly more prevalent among female students; carrying a weapon (penknife/knife/gun), engaging in physical fights, sustaining injuries in physical fights, early sexual relation experiences, condom usage, cigarette, alcohol, energy drink and substance consumption were significantly more prevalent among male students (p<0.001). Frequent suicidal plans or attempts (11.3 times) and early sexual experiences, before the age of 15 (16.6 times) were found to be riskier behaviors with regard to substance use; as the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and energy drink increased, so did the risk of substance use. Conclusion: Gender is a distinctive characteristic with regard to risky behaviors among young people. The relationship between risky behaviors and substance use suggests that one risky behavior may lead to another. As such, it is necessary to evaluate the substance use among young people with risky behaviors and to examine other risky behaviors which accompany the substance use problems.
The Bulletin of Legal Medicine, 2016
Amaç: Cinsel suçlar, tüm dünyada her yaş grubundaki insanı tehdit eden toplumsal bir sorundur. Ci... more Amaç: Cinsel suçlar, tüm dünyada her yaş grubundaki insanı tehdit eden toplumsal bir sorundur. Cinsel suçların, mağdurda birçok ruhsal hastalığa zemin hazırladığı bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Ruh Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı Erişkin Adli Kurul’da raporları düzenlenen cinsel saldırı mağdurlarının demografik özellikleri, suç konusu olayların özellikleri ve düzenlenen raporların sonuçları değerlendirilerek literatürdeki diğer çalışmalarla karşılaştırılması amaçlandı.Yöntem: Adli Makamlar tarafından 2012 – 2014 yılları arasında … Ruh Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı Erişkin Adli Kurul’a rapor düzenlenmesi nedeniyle dosyası ile birlikte gönderilen olgulara ait kayıtlar; olguların demografik özellikleri, rapor istem makamı, olayın türü ve tarihi, saldırgana ait bilgiler, olguların muayene bulguları ile düzenlenen raporların sonucu açılarından retrospektif olarak incelenerek, elde edilen veriler Windows için SPSS 18 istatistik programı ile değerlendirildi.Bulgular: 01 Ocak 20...
Journal of Substance Use, 2016
Background: Studies about the effects of cannabis on male sexual function have contradictory resu... more Background: Studies about the effects of cannabis on male sexual function have contradictory results. This contradiction is thought to depend on the subjective assessment of the patient or on the use of non-validated questionnaires. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function of male patients with cannabis use disorder by a validated questionnaire and to compare them with a healthy control group. Methods: 47 male patients with cannabis use disorder and without any comorbid psychiatric disorders were included in this study. The education level and age of the patients were matched with 33 healthy male participants. In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics, the pattern of cannabis use and sexual life were also questioned. Sexual function was evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function. Results: The scores of erectile function and orgasmic function in the patient group were found significantly lower than the control group. Erectile dysfunction was significantly more frequently reported in the patient group than the control group. Sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction scores did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that sexual function should be inquired in men with cannabis use disorder. These findings could be used in prevention studies focused on cannabis use disorder.
ABSTRACT Objectives Higher than expected rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)... more ABSTRACT Objectives Higher than expected rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are found in populations with Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Studies incorporating structured psychiatric diagnostic interviews assessing ADHD and other disorders in substance abusing groups have indicated that from one quarter of adults with SUD and one-half of adolescents with SUD have ADHD. The main aim of this study to obtain a current data that the link between ADHD and SUD. Methods A total of 281 one-year inpatients (aged 14-70) data was screened retrospectively. The patients who are elder than 35 years old and have only alcohol use disorder were not included. Seventytwo inpatients were eveluated according to age,education level, gender, firstly used age, abstinence duration, SUD in family and any diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Subjects were only selected if a clear diagnostic procedure for ADHD was described, and diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Results Fifty-five (76.4%) of the participants were found to meet DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD was 78.2% in men and 21.8% in women. Overall, the most of individiuals with ADHD were not diagnosed in childhood. We found that subjects with ADHD had an earlier onset of SUD compared to without ADHD group (before 15 years) [x2 (1)= 32,998 p&lt;0.001]. The two groups did not show any significant differences in primary substance of abuse, because cannabis was the most endorced substance for abuse and dependence. We seperated all other drugs into different categories such as cannabis, heroin, hallisinogene, amphetamine, volatile, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and no statistical significant differences were found between two groups (all values, p&gt;0.05). Only using ecstasy showed statistically significant differences between ADHD and non-ADHD groups [x2 (1)= 4.124, p&lt;0.05]. However, abuse and dependence of synthetic cannabinoids were found significant association with ADHD group in comparison with non-ADHD group [x2 (1)= 5.493, p&lt;0.05]. No statistical significant differences were observed between ADHD and non-ADHD subjects as far as mean age, gender, education level were concerned. Limitations Retrospective design and limited sample size. Conclusions The present study aims to obtain information of the prevalence of comorbid ADHD in inpatients with SUD in our country. Our findings suggest that ADHD is a significant risk factor for the development of SUD. Further research is needed to confirm our findings. Key words ADHD, substance use disorder, retrospective, inpatient, synthetic cannabinoids
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2005
Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2006
Noropsikiyatri Arsivi
Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly f... more Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly for assessing opiate withdrawal.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2015
Journal de Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive, 2004
Schémas, culture et facilitation mémorielle chez des sujets alcoolo-dépendants S. RUSINEK (1) , A... more Schémas, culture et facilitation mémorielle chez des sujets alcoolo-dépendants S. RUSINEK (1) , A. KARAUZUM (1) , C. DE SAINT-AUBERT (2) , P. GRAZIANI (3) , E. ALTINTOPRAK (4) , H. COSKUNOL (4) , O. DONAT EKER (4)
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2009
It is reported that there are many risk factors for the development of separation anxiety disorde... more It is reported that there are many risk factors for the development of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) in children and adolescents. One of the most important factors is the mother-child relationship. It is thought that the temperamental characteristics of the mother have an important role to play in the quality of this relationship. The present study aimed to determine the temperamental characteristics of mothers whose preschool children were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder. The study included 60 mothers of children with separation anxiety disorder (diagnosed between 4 and 7 years of age) and 60 mothers of healthy children who were matched by sociodemographic factors with children with SAD. All cases were evaluated with a sociodemographic form, the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) and The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San-Diego Auto questionnaire (TEMPS-A). Mean age of the children (32 female, 28 male) was 5.12+/-.0.85 years. The children with an an...
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2008
It is well known that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders is increasing and represents an imp... more It is well known that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders is increasing and represents an important health problem worldwide. Nonetheless, there are an insufficient number of population-based prevalence studies on alcohol use disorders among the general population and women in Turkey. Among the studies performed in Turkey, it has been reported that alcohol use disorders are more common among males and that alcohol use among females is increasing, as in other countries. The alcohol use among females differs from males' in many respects. The purpose of this article was to review the physical differences between males and females relevant to the metabolism of alcohol, and to organic and mental problems caused by alcohol use. In addition we sought to draw attention to the necessity for effective preventative and treatment methods for women.
Treatment Approaches and Toxicological Analysis for Substance Abusers who are being on Probation ... more Treatment Approaches and Toxicological Analysis for Substance Abusers who are being on Probation The widespread individual and social problems dependent on illicit substance use, provocated the new legislative approaches. In 5272 numbered Turkish Penalty Code's 109th paragraph, it is suggested that probation measures which is related to "The evaluation according to a psychiatrist clinical diagnosis with laboratory findings for therapies
Case Reports in Psychiatry, 2015
Inhalant abuse is a problem that is getting more common all around the world. The increase in pre... more Inhalant abuse is a problem that is getting more common all around the world. The increase in prevalence of inhalant abuse escalates morbidity and mortality rates. About 22% of people using inhalant have died at their first attempt. Particularly propane, butane, or propane-butane mixture has highest mortality rates. Sudden sniffing death syndrome, cardiomyopathy, central nervous system toxicity, hematological abnormalities, kidney toxicity, and hepatocellular toxicities are the major complications of inhalant abuse. Herein we present a patient with inhalant use disorder. At the age of 19, after a stressful life event he had unsuccessfully tried to suicide by inhaling LPG (liquefied petroleum gas, a mixture of butane and propane gases). After he realized that he had hallucinations and felt better during the inhalation, he started to abuse it. He was addicted to LPG for 10 years at the time of admission. Besides being dangerous for the society security, this intense level of LPG inhal...
Nöro Psikiyatri Arşivi, 2014
Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly f... more Conclusion: This study showed that the Turkish version of COWS can be used reliably and validly for assessing opiate withdrawal.
Yöntem: AAB tanisi konan 4-7 yaş arasi 60 çocuğun ve herhangi bir hastalik nedeniyle tedavi görme... more Yöntem: AAB tanisi konan 4-7 yaş arasi 60 çocuğun ve herhangi bir hastalik nedeniyle tedavi görmeyen sosyo- demografik özellikler açisindan birebir eşleştirilmiş 60 çocuğun anneleri çalişmaya alinmiştir. Tüm olgular için sosyodemografik veri formu, Çocuklar için Davraniş Değerlendirme Ölçeği (ÇDDÖ), Mizaç Değerlendirme Ölçeği (TEMPS-A) uygulanmiştir. Bulgular: Hastalarin yaş ortalamalari 5,12 (±.0,85) olup 32'si kiz, 28'i erkektir. AAB olan grubun ÇDDÖ'de tüm
Turkish Journal of Psychiatry, 2000
Pregabalin is a new generation antiepileptic that exerts its effect by decreasing the release of ... more Pregabalin is a new generation antiepileptic that exerts its effect by decreasing the release of such neurotransmitters as glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P. Pregabalin can be prescribed in Turkey at 150-600 mg to treat neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and as concomitant therapy in adult patients with partial epilepsy. Experimental studies have shown that pregabalin could be beneficial in the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal, as well as for relapse prevention in patients with alcohol dependence. Nonetheless, the number of case reports on the abuse potential of pregabalin has increased. Herein we present a patient with pregabalin dependence. The patient's underlying alcohol and polysubstance dependence, and symptoms of generalized anxiety were thought to contribute to the development of pregabalin dependence. The patient reported that he had experienced severe withdrawal symptoms when he tried to stop using pregabalin. Bupropion and low-dose quetiapine were added to his paroxetine treatment, and pregabalin was discontinued gradually. Following this treatment the patient had not exhibited any signs of pregabalin dependence for one month. Although pregabalin is a promising drug for various psychiatric disorders, it should be used carefully in patients with a history of substance dependence.
Neurology, Psychiatry and Brain Research, 2013