Diagnostic Subgroups within a Sample of Comorbid Substance Abusers: Correlates and Characteristics

Abstract

Patients seeking treatment at the Addiction Research Foundation for a substance problem but who also reported psychiatric symptomatology were referred to the Mental Health Unit. Following a clinical psychiatric interview, these patients were categorized into one of six diagnostic subgroups based on the presence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders: mood, anxiety, psychotic, organic, Axis-II, and adjustment. A control group of patients referred to the Mental Health Unit but not diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder was also included. These groups were compared on several demographic, substance use, and psychiatric variables. Patients assigned a diagnosis of organic (substance-induced) and Axis II disorders were found to have more severe substance use histories, alcohol-related consequences and longer treatment histories. Patients with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder appeared to be functioning relatively better. Implications of studying the heterogeneity of comorbidity are discussed.

Özel bir bağımlılık merkezinde yatarak tedavi gören hastalarda psikiyatrik eş tanının bağımlılığın seyri ile ilişkisi

“…The literature provides sufficient evidence for an increase in the frequency of legal problems in patients with substance use disorder and Axis II comorbidity. Toneatto et al (29) reported in their studies that Axis I diagnoses accompanying substance use disorder do not change the frequency of legal convictions, while Axis II comorbidity increases the frequency of convictions. Ross et al (30) pointed out that Axis II comorbidity in patients with substance use disorder is a factor increasing the frequency of legal problems before therapy.…”