Psychiatric comorbidity in illicit drug users: substance-induced versus independent disorders

Torrens, Marta, Gilchrist, Gail and Domingo-Salvany, Antonia (2011) Psychiatric comorbidity in illicit drug users: substance-induced versus independent disorders. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 113 (2-3). pp. 147-156. ISSN 0376-8716 (doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.07.013)

Abstract

Background: Few studies have differentiated between independent and substance-induced psychiatric disorders. In this study we determine the risks associated with independent and substance-induced psychiatric disorders among a sample of 629 illicit drug users recruited from treatment and out of treatment settings.
Methods: Secondary analysis of five cross-sectional studies conducted during 2000–2006. Independent and substance-induced DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses were assessed using the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders.
Results: Lifetime prevalence of Axis I disorders other than substance use disorder (SUD) was 41.8%, with independent major depression being the most prevalent (17%). Lifetime prevalence of antisocial or borderline personality disorders was 22.9%. In multinominal logistic regression analysis (SUD only as the reference group), being female (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.59, 3.77) and having lifetime borderline personality disorder (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.31, 4.59) remained significant variables in the group with independent disorders. In the group with substance-induced disorders, being recruited from an out of treatment setting (OR 3.50; 95% CI 1.54, 7.97), being female (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.24, 4.59) and the number of SUD (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.10, 1.57) remained significant in the model. These variables were also significant in the group with both substance-induced and independent disorders, together with borderline personality disorder (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.03, 6.27).
Conclusions: Illicit drug users show high prevalence of co-occurrence of mainly independent mood and anxiety psychiatric disorders. Being female, recruited from an out of treatment setting and the number of SUD, are risk factors for substance-induced disorders.

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