Diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring affective disorders and substance use disorders

There is growing interest in the co-occurrence of mood and substance use disorders. It is clear that co-occurrence of these disorders is common and has an impact on prognosis and course of both disorders. The diagnostic issues at the interface of substance or alcohol use disorders and affective illnesses are particularly difficult because of the substantial symptom overlap between substance intoxication and withdrawal and symptoms of affective disorders. Over the past few years, advances have been made in the treatment of co-occurring disorders. Further investigation of specifically tailored treatments for patients with co-occurring substance use and other mood disorders is underway. Because many advances have been made in pharmacotherapy of mood disorders in the past 10 years, this progress will impact individuals with co-occurring disorders, because newer agents with less toxicity and fewer adverse effects and interactions with substances of abuse will be evaluated for treating the comorbid condition. Specific considerations in choosing a pharmacologic agent for use in patients with substance use disorders include safety, toxicity, and abuse liability. Although there are few studies specifically targeting pharmacotherapy for co-occurring disorders, those that have been conducted indicate that similar pharmacotherapeutic agents work for mood disorders with or without substance use disorders. In conclusion, although the co-occurrence of substance abuse and mood disorders is an important area in which recent developments provide cause for considerable optimism, much work remains to be done.