Related Experiment Videos
Substance use in young adults with schizophrenic disorders
M A Test1, L S Wallisch, D J Allness
1School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Young adults with serious mental illnesses frequently use mood-altering substances, often multiple types, for symptom relief and social reasons. Their substance use is long-standing and deeply entrenched, impacting community treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Nonprescribed mood-altering substance use is common among young adults with serious mental illnesses in community settings.
- Schizophrenia and related disorders are frequently comorbid with substance use disorders in this population.
- Understanding the client's perspective on substance use is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives of young adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders on their substance use patterns, motivations, and treatment experiences.
- To identify the contributing factors and perceived effects of substance use in this vulnerable population.
- To inform treatment strategies for comorbid substance use in serious mental illness.
Main Methods:
- In-depth interviews with a random sample of "significant users" (clients reporting frequent substance use).
- Focus on client-reported frequencies, patterns, histories, contributing factors, and effects of substance use.
- Exploration of client and staff perceptions of substance use and its impact on treatment.
Main Results:
- 58% of young adult clients with schizophrenia-related disorders were significant substance users (alcohol, cannabis, street drugs).
- Substance use was long-duration, deeply entrenched, and often involved multiple substances, including caffeine and nicotine.
- Clients reported using substances for anxiety reduction, boredom relief, and social connection, often viewing them as providing symptom relief.
Conclusions:
- Substance use in young adults with serious mental illness is complex, driven by multifaceted reasons including symptom management.
- Discrepancies exist between client and staff perceptions of substance use consequences, highlighting a need for integrated care approaches.
- Treatment must address the deeply entrenched nature of substance use and clients' perceived benefits, moving beyond solely focusing on symptom exacerbation.