Epidemiology of comorbid substance use and psychiatric disorders in Asia

Studying comorbidities between substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric disorders in different regions is important from public health and heuristic perspectives. In this study we review recent studies conducted in Asian countries on these comorbidities.

Comprehensive and methodologically sound studies conducted with focus on comorbidity between SUDs and psychiatric disorders are few and far between in Asian countries. Studies differ widely in their focus and methodological rigor. Some studies from China, Japan and Taiwan report fairly low rates of comorbidity of SUDs, particularly with illicit substances, among individuals with psychiatric disorders. Similar findings exist for rates of psychiatric disorders among those with SUDs. Recent research is lacking in several Asian countries on the issue of comorbidity.

Interesting regional differences exist in the rates of comorbidity both across the Asian countries and between these countries and the west. Genetic and socio-cultural differences may be responsible for these differences. Methodologically sound, multicenter studies, involving several Asian countries, specifically examining the epidemiology of comorbidity between SUDs and psychiatric disorders, will have the potential to provide useful insights in this regard.