Bipolar disorder as a risk factor for repeat DUI behavior.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Forensic Psychology

Background:

• Bipolar disorder (BD) is more common in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) than the general population.
• Recidivist driving under the influence (DUI) offenders exhibit high rates of SUD and elevated BD prevalence.
• Previous studies indicate high comorbidity and low treatment engagement in BD patients with SUD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of other mental disorders.
• To assess treatment engagement and status among DUI offenders with BD and SUD.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 729 repeat DUI offenders in an inpatient treatment program was assessed.
• The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to generate DSM-IV diagnoses.

Main Results:

• BD was linked to higher lifetime prevalence of alcohol, drug, and other psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.
• About 25% of BD participants had not discussed mania with a professional.
• Only 50% of BD participants reported effective mania treatment, with fewer receiving recent treatment.

Conclusions:

• The study cohort was primarily Caucasian males in a Massachusetts DUI program, often attending as a sentencing option.
• Clinicians in DUI settings should screen for BD and initiate treatment.
• Findings highlight the need for integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment in forensic populations.