Long-term Mental Distress in Substance-Dependent Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Kjell Bakken, Anne Signe Landheim, Per Vaglum
Primary Institution: Centre for Addiction Issues, Department for Substance Abuse, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway
Hypothesis
Do lifetime Axis I and II disorders measured at admission predict the level of mental distress at follow-up?
Conclusion
The study found that mental distress remained high among substance-dependent patients after six years, but was significantly lower among those who abstained from substances, especially women.
Supporting Evidence
- Mental distress remained high after six years among substance-dependent patients.
- Abstainers reported significantly lower levels of mental distress compared to relapsers.
- Specific lifetime Axis I and II disorders were independent predictors of mental distress.
Takeaway
This study shows that people who have problems with drugs or alcohol often still feel very sad or anxious even after a long time, but those who stop using substances feel better.
Methodology
The study used a six-year follow-up of 287 substance-dependent patients assessed with various diagnostic interviews and self-report instruments.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of mental distress due to non-participation of patients with high distress levels.
Limitations
The follow-up sample was only 20% of the original sample, and self-reports were used for assessing substance use and mental health variables.
Participant Demographics
70% men, mean age 38.6 years, with a mix of alcohol-dependent and poly-substance-dependent patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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