title: "Spiceophrenia": a systematic overview of "spice"-related psychopathological issues and a case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; "spice" drugs) is increasing, especially among teenagers and young adults. In parallel with this, the number of studies describing intoxication episodes associated with psychotic symptoms in SC users is growing. We present both a systematic review of the related literature and a case report, which seems to highlight the existence of a possible association between SC use and psychosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Some 223 relevant studies were here identified and reviewed. Out of these, 120 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 41 were finally included in the systematic review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the available data from the studies here identified, SC's average age of users was 22.97 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.16:1. SC compounds most often reported in studies using biological specimen analysis were JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, CP-47,497, and JWH-250. Mounting evidence seemed to suggest that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur in acute/chronic SC users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although a clear causal link may not be here identified, the available evidence suggests that SC can trigger the onset of acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and/or the exacerbation of psychotic episodes in those with a previous psychiatric history.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Residency School, University of Trieste Medical School, Trieste, Italy. gducciopapantip@gmail.com
authors.forename: Duccio
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Papanti
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schifano
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Botteon
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bertossi
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mannix
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vidoni
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Impagnatiello
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pascolo-Fabrici
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bonavigo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids; D013287:Illicit Drugs
keywords: drug misuse; psychosis; synthetic cannabimimetics; “spice”