[Co-occuring mood and substance use disorders]

Mood and substance use disorders commonly co-occur, yet there is little evidence-based research to guide the pharmacologic management of these comorbid disorders. The authors review the existing empirical findings including current clinical pharmacotherapy practices for treating co-occurring mood and substance use disorders and call into question current clinical practices. The specific mood disorders reviewed are bipolar and major depressive disorders (either one co-occurring with a substance use disorder). The authors also highlight knowledge gaps that may serve as a basis for future research. Findings from the relatively small amount of available data indicate that pharmacotherapy for managing mood symptoms might be effective in patients with substance dependence, although results have not been consistent across all studies. In most studies, medications for managing mood symptoms did not appear to have an impact on the substance use disorder. Research has only begun to address optimal pharmacologic management of co-occurring disorders. In addition, current clinical treatment for drug dependence often exclude new pharmacotherapies approved by the French Haute Autorité de Santé for treating certain types of addiction. With new data becoming available, it appears that we need to revisit current practice in the pharmacological management of co-occurring mood and substance use disorders.