No abstract

Background and Aims:As a result of long-term heroin abuse we can see impairment of cerebral structures that leads to specific deficits in cognitive and conative area. Reaction time(RT) is an interval between reception of the certain stimulus and movement execution, as a response to received stimulus. It includes unharmed perceptive functions, attention, concentra- tion and psychomotor coordination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heroin abuse on RT.Method:90 heroin addicts, divided in tree groups, regarding to abuse duration, were included in study. Reaction time was estimated by specially designed computer program, based on the modified Donders's model of reaction time.Results:Averige RT increase in corelation to duration of heroin addictionResults have shown that heroin abuse is connected with the prolongation of simple and choice reaction time, in both visual and auditory modality. Also, there is significant relation between prolongation of choice reaction time and duration of heroin abuse.Conclusion:Heroin abuse duration is related to decrease of psychomotor speed and impairment of psychomotor coordination.

Jejunal endoscopic biopsy is suggested as a good alternative to the suction biopsy, wherever paediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is available.

AbstractThe study aimed to determine characteristics of addicts on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), which are related to the level of social functioning, with emphasis on the role of social support. In a prospective study, opiate addicts (n=150) who were on MMT completed the Pompidou questionnaire, the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Statistical data processing was based on testing the difference between features that best distinguish subgroups of addicts who were dissatisfied, moderately satisfied and satisfied with their social functioning. Opiate addicts up to 30 years of age had a statistically higher score on SASS scale than addicts over 30; addicts who are dissatisfied are mainly unemployed and have average or above-average family/community financial status; opiate addicts who were moderately satisfied with their social functioning were three years or longer on MMT; paradoxically, the highest mean value of score on MSPSS scale dominated among addicts who are dissatisfied with their social functioning. These results indicate that age, employment, financial status, duration of MMT are the characteristics of addicts which are related to the level of social functioning. Social support is most perceived by addicts who are dissatisfied with their social functioning.