Patterns of synthetic cathinones use and their impact on depressive symptoms and parafunctional oral behaviors

Aim. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of synthetic cathinones usage on depressive symptoms and oral behaviors among recreational users. Material and methods. Users of online drugs-related forums were asked to fill in a questionnaire via Google Forms Platform. The questionnaire contained questions about patterns of drugs use, the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC), and questions about basic demographic data (age, gender). Results. 150 participants (75 in the study group, 75 in the control group) took part in the study. In the study group (aged 15-28), all participants used cathinones and other psychoactive substances. 42 participants used cathinones during last month. Statistical analysis showed a correlation between amount of drugs types used and level of depressive symptoms for both groups (study group and control group), as well as a statistically significantly higher mean value of the OBC scores in a group of cathinones users than in controls. Correlation between the BDI-II and OBC results was statistically significant for both the study and control groups. Conclusions. Considering easy access to synthetic cathinones, widely spread intoxications and young age of participants of this survey the subject needs to be widely researched. Psychoactive substances can predispose to development of depression and various forms of parafunctional oral behaviors. Slowa klucze: syntetyczne katynony, nowe substancje psychoaktywne, objawy depresyjne, parafunkcje ustne

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the impact of synthetic cathinones on depressive symptoms and oral behaviors among recreational users. The results showed a correlation between the types of drugs used and the level of depressive symptoms, as well as significantly higher OBC scores in cathinones users compared to controls. Additionally, there was a statistically significant correlation between BDI-II and OBC results for both study and control groups, suggesting the potential predisposition of psychoactive substances to depression and parafunctional oral behaviors.