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Published on: August 18, 2020
Drug abuse and psychiatric comorbidity
1Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, Greece.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Opioid-dependent men exhibit high rates of psychiatric disorders, with nearly all experiencing a mental disorder excluding substance use disorders. These conditions often precede the onset of opioid dependence, highlighting a critical link.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Opioid dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Co-occurring psychiatric disorders are common in individuals with substance use disorders.
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of psychiatric morbidity in opioid-dependent populations is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in opioid-dependent men.
- To examine the relationship between psychiatric disorders and opioid dependence.
- To compare psychiatric morbidity in imprisoned versus treatment-seeking opioid-dependent individuals.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 176 opioid-dependent men was recruited from prison and treatment services.
- Psychiatric assessments were conducted using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS).
- Prevalence of lifetime and current mental disorders (excluding substance use disorders) was determined, along with specific diagnoses like anxiety, affective, and antisocial personality disorders (ASP).
- The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale was used to assess depressive symptoms.
- Self-reported data on suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations were collected.
Main Results:
- A high lifetime prevalence (90.3%) and current prevalence (66.1%) of mental disorders (excluding substance use disorders) were observed.
- Anxiety disorders (31.8% lifetime) and affective disorders (25% lifetime) were prominent.
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASP) had a high lifetime prevalence (69.3%).
- Individuals in treatment showed higher rates of affective and anxiety disorders, while imprisoned individuals had higher rates of ASP.
- Elevated depressive symptoms (71.5%), suicide attempts (27.4%), and psychiatric hospitalizations (26.8%) were reported.
- Evidence suggests psychiatric disorders often precede opioid dependence.
Conclusions:
- Opioid-dependent men exhibit substantial psychiatric comorbidity.
- The specific patterns of psychiatric disorders differ between treatment-seeking and imprisoned populations.
- Psychiatric disorders are strongly associated with opioid dependence and may precede its development.
- These findings underscore the need for integrated mental health and addiction treatment services.
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