Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Some new directions for research on psychological interventions for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders
Andrew J Baillie1, Lexine Stapinski, Erica Crome
1Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. andrew.baillie@mq.edu.au
Issues:
Comorbidity between anxiety and substance use disorders is common, yet it is poorly understood and poorly treated.
Approach:
Narrative literature review. PsycINFO and Medline databases were searched for clinical trials of anxiety and substance use disorders using clinical queries for 2005-2009.
Key Findings:
There are few well-conducted treatment outcome trials for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Some recent (2005-2009) outcome literature has focused on specific mechanisms (anxiety sensitivity and tension reduction alcohol expectancies) that may underlie comorbidity between anxiety and substance use disorders and may lead to more targeted intervention. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION: The research base for understanding and treating comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders needs to be broadened. In particular research is needed with a focus on: (i) specifying particular comorbid relationships between anxiety and substance use disorders; (ii) the mechanisms that may underlie and maintain those relationships; and (iii) well-conducted evaluations of treatments that target those mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
