Self-medication with Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS): a Systematic Review
Tayler Holborn, Robert L. Page, Fabrizio Schifano, Paolo Deluca
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction November 28, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01195-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People who use novel psychoactive substances (NPS) for self-medication |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Health psychology Medline Scopus Public health Nursing |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Self-medication with NPS occurs mainly for anxiety, depression, and ADHD, with specific links between cluster headaches and psychedelic NPS, and anxiety and novel benzodiazepines. |
Abstract
Abstract Currently, novel psychoactive substance (NPS) use presents a challenging issue for authorities. To effectively tackle the use of NPS, a deeper understanding of the motivations of those who use NPS is required. Evidence suggests that a subset of NPS users declare their use as ‘self-medicating’; however, there is a paucity of research in this area. The aim of this review is to provide an overview and synthesis of the research concerning self-medication with novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Seven databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, APA PsychInfo, Global Health, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched using a search strategy compromising 600 + NPS terms, yielding 3563 articles, 24 of which met the search criteria. Two independent reviewers screened the articles and appraised the quality of the included studies. The results were synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach. We identified 22 NPS being used for self-medication. We found that (1) self-medication with NPS occurs mainly for anxiety, depression, and ADHD; (2) links between cluster headaches, the use of psychedelic NPS, and anxiety and novel benzodiazepines were evident; (3) novel benzodiazepine use by young individuals represents particular concern. There is a need for greater knowledge within healthcare professions concerning self-medication practices with NPS. Primary qualitative research is needed to address the underlying motivations behind this phenomenon.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 18
- Ketamine: a paradigm shift for depression research and treatment Neuron March 1, 2019
- Comparative efficacy of racemic ketamine and esketamine for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis Journal of Affective Disorders September 23, 2020
- Classical psychedelics for the treatment of depression and anxiety: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders November 1, 2019
- Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics for the management of mood, anxiety, and substance-use disorders: a systematic review of systematic reviews Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology August 13, 2018
- Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology January 26, 2015
and 13 more in the library