An audit of substance use disorders on a general hospital psychiatric unit

This study found that one-fifth of patients admitted to a general hospital psychiatric unit meet the diagnostic criteria for abuse of, or dependence on, psychoactive substances other than alcohol. Many of the substances involved are prescribed medications. Dependence on benzodiazepines and other sedatives was the most common substance use disorder among patients with a variety of other psychiatric diagnoses. We are also concerned by the extent of reported abuse of analgesic compounds and feel it is necessary to modify our initial diagnostic assessments so that patients with these disorders can be recognized at an early stage and managed appropriately.