Impact of Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders on Substance Abusers
Author Information
Author(s): Landheim Anne Signe, Bakken Kjell, Vaglum Per
Primary Institution: Centre for Addiction Issues, Department for Substance Abuse, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway
Hypothesis
What is the predictive value of lifetime psychiatric disorders on relapse among substance abusers?
Conclusion
Assessment and treatment of major depression and agoraphobia are crucial for reducing long-term relapse risk in substance abusers.
Supporting Evidence
- 11% of participants died during the follow-up, mostly male alcoholics.
- 70% of surviving participants had relapsed.
- Relapsers had significantly more lifetime Axis I disorders, especially major depression and agoraphobia.
Takeaway
This study found that many people who abuse substances also have mental health issues, and treating those issues can help them stay sober.
Methodology
A six-year follow-up study of 287 substance-dependent patients in Norway, assessing socio-demographics, psychiatric disorders, and substance use.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the inability to conduct personal interviews at follow-up.
Limitations
The sample may not be fully representative of all substance abusers, and the response rate at intake was lower than desired.
Participant Demographics
73% male, mean age 38.6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02 for early onset of substance use disorder, 0.05 for major depression.
Confidence Interval
1.14–4.96 for early onset of SUD, 1.10–4.51 for major depression.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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