Predictors of dropout from group therapy among patients with bipolar and substance use disorders

Bipolar and substance use disorders frequently co-occur. Integrated treatment for these disorders has been shown to be effective at reducing substance use, but no study has examined attrition from dual diagnosis group therapy. The current study identified baseline demographic and clinical characteristics that predict treatment dropout among patients with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders.

Using binary and multivariate analyses, baseline data were analyzed as part of a randomized controlled trial of integrated group therapy for bipolar and substance use disorders.

Cigarette smoking, recent mood episode, and lack of a college education were strong predictors of dropout after controlling for demographic and substance use variables.

Given the strength of smoking as a predictor of dropout as well as the high rate of smoking among this population, a greater focus on the relationship between smoking and bipolar disorder is warranted.