[Drug-related problems in psychiatric consultation services].

Abstract

Background: The use of psychoactive substances is associated with the risk of somatic complications requiring treatment. Psychiatric consultations can be requested in this context.

Aim: Description of physical and psychological complications of acute and chronic use of various drugs (except alcohol and benzodiazepines), and the procedure for consultations.

Materials: Narrative literature review.

Results: Severe physical and psychological complications of drug use can also occur with sporadic use. New psychoactive substances (NPS) in particular are known to have severe side effects compared to plant-based drugs with similar effects. Sporadic drug use, harmful use, and dependence must be differentiated diagnostically. Somatic complications of chronic use usually occur with dependent use, especially with intravenous drug administration. Depending on the individual case, recommendations for abstinence, safer use, or motivational interventions to take up a subsequent support program should be made. This requires precise knowledge of the local treatment network for drug users. Medication is used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms symptomatically. Potential complications must be taken into account during withdrawal treatment, e.g. withdrawal delirium and seizures in the case of GABA-ergic drugs. Maintenance treatment is the therapy of choice for opioid addicts.

Conclusion: Addiction psychiatry consultations should not only offer help in the management of current clinical problems, but should also show those affected the possibilities of further care and treatment.