Media reviews

Aims: To examine the occurrence of comorbid non‐substance abuse axis‐1 disorders among patients being treated for substance abuse.

Design, setting and participants: Prospective study of patients admitted to a Norwegian clinic for substance abuse treatment. All patients in treatment during a 3‐month period were invited to participate.

Measurements: Patients were clinically interviewed and MINI and GAF were scored. Data were analysed with Chi‐square tests and multiple regression analyses.

Findings: Twenty‐four patients (77.4%) participated, of whom 91.7% had at least one comorbid non‐substance abuse axis‐1 disorder. Of the patients, 70.8% had suffered a psychotic episode and prior episodes of psychosis occurred significantly more often among those who had a main abuse of amphetamines. Many patients also abused benzodiazepines and/or cannabis as secondary substances.

Conclusions: A high level of prior psychotic episodes could be related to a high use of amphetamine and cannabis, and possibly to a shortage of low‐threshold treatment for substance abuse in the catchment area.     

Prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic severe pain in psychiatric outpatients

This cross-sectional study reports the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic severe pain in psychiatric outpatients (n = 295), a sample that has not previously been examined for the co-occurrence of these two disorders. Nearly half the participants (46%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition criteria for PTSD; 40% reported chronic severe pain; and 24% had both disorders. We compared four groups of subjects who had either both disorders, PTSD only, chronic severe pain only, or neither disorder for variables previously found to be associated with both disorders or either disorder alone (e.g., psychiatric distress, substance use, stressful life events, physical/sexual abuse). Multiple pairwise comparisons indicated that persons with both disorders were significantly different from persons with neither disorder for all dependent variables and that they had greater physical and psychosocial stressors. Persons with either PTSD or chronic severe pain alone were more likely to have a chronic medical condition, higher ratings of psychiatric distress, and more stressful life events than persons with neither disorder. Mental health treatment providers should be aware of the potential for the co-occurrence of PTSD and chronic severe pain and of the many related factors in psychiatric outpatients.     

The utility of DSM‐IV criteria in diagnosing substance abuse/dependence in adolescents

The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of DSM‐IV criteria in diagnosing alcohol and marijuana abuse/dependence in adolescents. A modified version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID) was administered to assess substance abuse/dependence symptoms in 127 inpatient, treatment‐seeking adolescents with substance‐use disorders. The proportion of individuals with clinically relevant symptoms was examined separately for individuals classified with either abuse or dependence. Chi‐square tests of independence between the abusive/dependent classification and the presence/absence of a given symptom were also performed. Rates of DSM‐IV current substance use diagnoses were alcohol abuse 21 (16%), alcohol dependence 44 (35%), marijuana abuse 27 (21%) and marijuana dependence 72 (57%). A diagnosis of marijuana dependence was significantly more likely when tolerance symptoms were present but was not significantly dependent on the presence of withdrawal symptoms. By contrast, the presence of both tolerance and withdrawal symptoms were indicative of alcohol dependence. There was a high degree of heterogeneity of DSM‐IV dependence symptoms for both alcohol and marijuana dependence. Our study suggests that the DSM‐IV criteria have limitations in diagnosing substance‐use disorders in adolescents. A modified version of the SCID may be useful in the adolescent substance use population.     

六年级学生童年期遭受虐待经历与创伤后应激障碍状况的关联性研究

目的了解童年期遭受虐待的六年级学生创伤后应激障碍(post-traumatic stress disorder,PTSD)的现状,并进一步探讨童年期遭受虐待与PTSD的关系,为青少年心理健康发展提供科学的指导意见。方法采用随机分层抽样方法,抽取哈尔滨市某个区的四所学校的991名在校六年级学生进行童年期遭受虐待经历与PTSD的问卷调查。结果本次调查的虐待、情感虐待、躯体虐待、性虐待、情感忽视、躯体忽视的发生率分别为48.05%、3.80%、5.53%、7.48%、16.27%、37.96%。除情感虐待维度外,男生的遭受虐待总分及其他维度的得分均高于女生(P<0.05)。PTSD阳性检出率为7.48%。PTSD平均得分及各维度得分在不同的人口学特征(性别、户籍、是否为独生子女)上的比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。童年期遭受过虐待的学生的PTSD平均得分及各维度得分均高于未遭受过虐待的(P<0.05)。相关分析显示PTSD平均得分及各维度得分与遭受虐待总分及各维度得分均呈正相关关系(P<0.05);Logistic回归分析结果显示情感虐待(OR=1.303,P<0.001)、躯体忽视(OR=1.120,P<0.05)是PTSD的危险因素。结论哈尔滨市在校六年学生的童年期遭受虐待与PTSD状况不容忽视。男生虐待得分高于女生。遭受虐待的群体PTSD得分高于未遭受虐待的群体,同时虐待得分与PTSD呈正相关关系,情感虐待、躯体忽视是PTSD的危险因素。预防童年期遭受虐待对于提高青少年身心健康至关重要。     

Diagnosis and management of post-traumatic stress disorder

Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder that may cause significant distress and increased use of health resources, the condition often goes undiagnosed. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the United States is 8 to 9 percent, and approximately 25 to 30 percent of victims of significant trauma develop PTSD. The emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD occur in three clusters: re-experiencing the trauma, marked avoidance of usual activities, and increased symptoms of arousal. Before a diagnosis of PTSD can be made, the patient's symptoms must significantly disrupt normal activities and last for more than one month. Approximately 80 percent of patients with PTSD have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder. The most common comorbid disorders include depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and other anxiety disorders. Treatment relies on a multidimensional approach, including supportive patient education, cognitive behavior therapy, and psychopharmacology. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment.     

Self-reported depression and its associated factors among male inpatients admitted for substance use disorders in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The association between depression and substance abuse is well established. However, uncertainties exist about the prevalence and comorbidity of substance use disorders and depression in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Data were collected from December 2012 to March 2013 from 165 male inpatients admitted for substance use disorders to a public health hospital in Jeddah. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Results: High BDI scores were reported by 95.2% of participants with more than two-thirds scoring severe (37%) or very severe (33.9%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that those who had abused substances for more than 10 years were double the risk for depression compared to participants who had abused substances for less than 5 years (AOR?=?2.16; 95% CI: 1.09–9.11). Those abusing substances for a duration of 5–10 years were likely to have a threefold risk for depression relative to participants who had a substance abuse history of less than 5 years (AOR?=?3.08; 95% CI: 1.23–43.6).

Conclusion: There is high prevalence of depression among substance users in Saudi Arabia. Prevalence and comorbidity is significantly associated with duration of substance abuse. Such findings have implications for treatment and service development as patients with these co-morbidities will require complex management.     

The influence of family and social problems on treatment outcomes of persons with co-occurring substance use disorders and PTSD

Objective: Family and social problems may contribute to negative recovery outcomes in patients with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders, yet few studies have empirically examined this relationship. This study investigates the impact of family and social problems on treatment outcomes among patients with co-occurring substance use and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method: A secondary analysis was conducted using data collected from a randomized controlled trial of an integrated therapy for patients with co-occurring substance use and PTSD. Substance use, psychiatric symptoms and social problems were assessed. Longitudinal outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) and multiple linear regression.

Results: At baseline, increased family and social problems were associated with more severe substance use and psychiatric symptoms. Over time, all participants had comparable decreases in substance use and psychiatric problem severity. However, changes in family and social problem severity were predictive of PTSD symptom severity, alcohol use and psychiatric severity at follow-up.

Conclusions: For patients with co-occurring substance use and PTSD, family and social problem severity is associated with substance use and psychiatric problem severity at baseline and over time. Targeted treatment for social and family problems may be optimal.     

Mental health diagnosis and occupational functioning in National Guard/Reserve veterans returning from Iraq

Occupational functioning represents both an important outcome for military service members returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom and a predictor for long-term mental health functioning. We investigated the role of mental health diagnoses, determined by structured clinical interviews, on occupational functioning in a group of 262 National Guard/Reserve service members within 1 year of returning from a 16-month OIF combat deployment. We assessed occupational functioning at the time of diagnostic interviews and 1 year later. We hypothesized that service members with diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and/or alcohol abuse or dependence would exhibit lower rates of employment at both time points and lower rates of reported work and/or school role functioning. Service members with a diagnosis of PTSD (5%, n = 13), subthreshold PTSD (6%, n = 15), a major depressive disorder (11%, n = 29), or alcohol abuse or dependence (11%, n = 28) did not differ on employment status from service members without a diagnosis at either time point. However, those with a diagnosis of PTSD, depression, and/or alcohol abuse or dependence reported lower levels of work role functioning. In addition, service members with a diagnosis of PTSD reported greater rates of deterioration in work role functioning over time.     

Long-term consequences of traumatic experiences: an assessment of former political detainees in romania

Background

Research has suggested that organized violence and torture have long-term psychological effects that persist throughout the lifespan. The present survey aimed at examining the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other disorders and symptoms, all present in old age, as long-term consequences of politically motivated violence in a comparison design.

Methods

A group of former political detainees (N = 59, mean age 73.5 years) who had been arrested by the Romanian communist regime were compared to an age- and gender-matched control group (N = 39). PTSD was assessed using a structured clinical interview (CIDI). The investigation of the clinical profile was further accomplished by self-rating measures for anxiety, depression, and health-related functioning, as well as by clinician-administrated interviews for substance abuse, dissociation, and somatization symptoms.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 54%. In the case of participants left untreated, PTSD persisted, often over four decades, such that current PTSD was diagnosed still in a third of the survivors. Other clinical conditions such as somatization, substance abuse, dissociative disorders, and major depression were also common among the former political detainees and often associated with current PTSD.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that political detention may have long-term psychological consequences that outlast the changes in the political system.

     

Post-traumatic stress disorder in episodic and chronic migraine

OBJECTIVE: To assess and contrast the relative frequency of self-reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with episodic migraine and chronic/ transformed migraine. BACKGROUND: Several risk factors have been identified as risk factors for chronification of headache disorders. Childhood abuse has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic pain in adulthood. In addition depression, as well as several other psychiatric disorders, are co-morbid with migraine. Recent data suggest that PTSD may be more common in headache sufferers than in the general population. METHODS: This was a prospective, pilot study conducted at a headache center. Adult subjects with episodic, chronic, or transformed migraine were included. Demographic information, depression history, body mass index (BMI), and headache characteristics were obtained. PTSD was assessed using the life events checklist (LEC) and the PTSD checklist, civilian version (PCL-C). We contrasted the data from episodicmigraineurs and chronic/transformed migraine participants (CM) and conducted multivariate analyses, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Of the 60 participants included, 91.7% were female with a mean age of 41.4+/-12.5 years old. EM was diagnosed in 53.3% and CM in 46.7%. The mean BMI was not significantly different between groups. In contrast, the relative frequency of depression was significantly greater in subjects with CM (55.2%) than EM (21.9%, P=.016). There was no significant difference in the percentage of participants reporting at least 1 significant traumatic life event (LE) or in the mean number of traumatic LEs between EM and CM participants. However, the relative frequency of PTSD reported on the PCL in CM (42.9%) was significantly greater as compared to EM (9.4%, P=.0059. After adjusting for depression and other potential confounders, the difference remained significant P=.023). CONCLUSION: PTSD is more common in CM than in episodic migraineurs. This suggests that PTSD may be a risk factor for headache chronification, pending longitudinal studies to test this hypothesis.     

More than military sexual trauma: interpersonal violence, PTSD, and mental health in women veterans

Military sexual trauma (MST) is reported by 20-40% of female veterans. The purpose of this study of female veterans referred for MST treatment was to examine the relationships between lifetime trauma (physical, sexual, and psychological) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, physical health, and quality of life using retrospective cross-sectional data from medical records. Of the 135 participants, 95.4% reported at least one trauma in addition to MST, most notably sexual abuse as adult civilians (77.0%) and as children (52.6%). PTSD, depression, and sleep difficulty rates were clinically significant. Chronic pain (66.4%) was associated with childhood abuse, physical health, sleep difficulties, and coping. Integrating mental and physical health treatment is necessary to treat MST and PTSD in female veterans.     

The Relationship Between Emotion Dysregulation and Deliberate Self-Harm Among Inpatients with Substance Use Disorders

Despite the emphasis on the role of emotion dysregulation in deliberate self-harm (DSH), no studies have examined this association among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). This study examined if emotion dysregulation is heightened among SUD inpatients with (vs. without) DSH, and if the association between DSH and emotion dysregulation remains significant when controlling for their shared association with risk factors for both, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood abuse, and substance use severity. Findings indicate heightened emotion dysregulation among SUD patients with (vs. without) DSH, and provide evidence of a unique association between emotion dysregulation and DSH when controlling for BPD, PTSD, childhood abuse, and substance use severity. Findings also highlight the particular relevance of three dimensions of emotion dysregulation to DSH among SUD patients: limited access to effective emotion regulation strategies, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors when distressed, and emotional nonacceptance.     

Concurrent use of alcohol and sedatives among persons prescribed chronic opioid therapy: prevalence and risk factors

Taking opioids with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants can increase risk of oversedation and respiratory depression. We used telephone survey and electronic health care data to assess the prevalence of, and risk factors for, concurrent use of alcohol and/or sedatives among 1,848 integrated care plan members who were prescribed chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic noncancer pain. Concurrent sedative use was defined by receiving sedatives for 45+ days of the 90 days preceding the interview; concurrent alcohol use was defined by consuming 2+ drinks within 2 hours of taking an opioid in the prior 2 weeks. Some analyses were stratified by substance use disorder (SUD) history (alcohol or drug). Among subjects with no SUD history, 29% concurrently used sedatives versus 39% of those with an SUD history. Rates of concurrent alcohol use were similar (12 to 13%) in the 2 substance use disorder strata. Predictors of concurrent sedative use included SUD history, female gender, depression, and taking opioids at higher doses and for more than 1 pain condition. Male gender was the only predictor of concurrent alcohol use. Concurrent use of CNS depressants was common among this sample of COT users regardless of substance use disorder status. PERSPECTIVE: Risks associated with concurrent use of CNS depressants are not restricted to COT users who abuse those substances. And, the increased risk of concurrently using CNS depressants is not restricted to opioid users with a prior SUD history. COT requires close monitoring, regardless of substance use disorder history.     

Impact of alcohol consumption on clinical aspects of gambling disorder

Similarities between gambling disorder and substance use disorders have been extensively described. To date, however, few studies using large clinical samples have been carried out that reliably assess the relationship between different levels of alcohol consumption and gambling disorders. The present study aimed to assess the impact of baseline alcohol consumption levels on the clinical profile in a large sample of treatment‐seeking individuals. Nine hundred and fifty‐one consecutive outpatients diagnosed with gambling disorder according to DSM‐IV criteria were compared after being included in three alcohol consumption groups (low risk, abuse and risk of dependence) based on their total raw scores on the AUDIT questionnaire. Results showed a high prevalence of risk of alcohol dependence in GD patients who were immigrants, unemployed, and had a low level of education. A positive linear trend was also found between alcohol consumption level and the prevalence of other current and life‐time comorbid mental disorders, and for the presence of drug abuse. Statistically significant differences were found between the three alcohol consumption groups in terms of the evolution and severity of the gambling disorder, self‐directedness personality trait, and levels of general psychopathology, hostility and paranoid ideation. In conclusion, the results showed an association between increased alcohol consumption and greater dysfunction.     

A DSM-IV Axis I Comorbidity Study of Males (n = 120) with Paraphilias and Paraphilia-Related Disorders

One hundred and twenty consecutively evaluated outpatient males with paraphilias (PAs; n = 88, including 60 sex offenders) and paraphilia-related disorders (PRDs; n = 32) were systematically assessed for certain developmental variables and DSM-IV-defined Axis I comorbidity. In comparison with the PRDs, the PA group was statistically significantly more likely to self-report a higher incidence of (but not sexual) abuse, fewer years of completed education, a higher prevalence of school-associated learning and behavioral problems, more psychiatric/substance abuse hospitalizations, and increased employment-related disability as well as more lifetime contact with the criminal justice system. In both groups, the most prevalent Axis I disorders were mood disorders (71.6%), especially early onset dysthymic disorder (55%) and major depression (39%). Anxiety disorders (38.3%), especially social phobia (21.6%), and psychoactive substance abuse (40.8%), especially alcohol abuse (30%), were reported as well. Cocaine abuse was statistically significantly associated with PA males (p = .03). There was a statistically significant correlation between the lifetime prevalence of Axis I nonsexual diagnoses and hypersexual diagnoses (PAs and PRDs). The prevalence of retrospectively diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was 35.8%, the third most prevalent Axis I disorder. ADHD (p = .01), especially ADHD-combined subtype (p = .009), was statistically significantly associated with PA status. ADHD was statistically significantly associated with conduct disorder, and both of these Axis I disorders were associated with the propensity for multiple PAs and a higher likelihood of incarceration. When the diagnosis of ADHD was controlled, the differences reported above between PAs and PRDs either became statistically nonsignificant or remained as only statistical trends. Thus, ADHD and its associated developmental sequellae and Axis I comorbidities was the single most common nonsexual Axis I diagnosis that statistically significantly distinguished males with socially deviant sexual arousal (PAs) from a nonparaphilic hypersexual comparison group (PRDs). Sex offender paraphiliacs were more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder, alcohol abuse, cocaine abuse, and generalized anxiety disorder. The prevalence of any ADHD in the sex offender paraphiliacs was 43.3%, and nearly 25% of offenders were diagnosed with ADHD-combined subtype.     

Rationale,design, and implementation of a clinical trial of a mindfulness-based relapse prevention protocol for the treatment of women with comorbid post traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder

Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly co-occur and is associated with a more complex clinical presentation with poorer clinical outcomes when compared with either disorder alone, and untreated PTSD can predict relapse to substance abuse. A number of integrated treatment approaches addressing symptoms of both PTSD and SUD concurrently demonstrate that both disorders can safely and effectively be treated concurrently. However, attrition and SUD relapse rates remain high and there is need to further develop new treatment approaches. Innovative approaches such as mindfulness meditation (MM) successfully used in the treatment of SUD may offer additional benefits for individuals with SUD complicated with PTSD. Specifically, Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) integrates coping skills from cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention therapy with MM practices, raising awareness of substance use triggers and reactive behavioral patterns, and teaching skillful coping responses. Here we present the design and methods for the “Mindfulness Meditation for the Treatment of Women with comorbid PTSD and SUD” study, a Stage 1b behavioral development study that modifies MBRP treatment to address both PTSD and SUD in a community setting. This study is divided into three parts: revising the existing evidence-based manual, piloting the intervention, and testing the new manual in a randomized controlled pilot trial in women with comorbid PTSD and SUD enrolled in a community-based SUD treatment program.     

Childhood sexual abuse and substance abuse in relation to depression and coping

Objectives: To examine relationships between childhood sexual abuse (CSA), substance abuse, substance abuse relapse, depression and coping styles in an Australian sample. Methods: Participants were 79 adults actively seeking treatment for substance abuse or CSA. CSA and substance use history were assessed using a purpose built questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI‐II), and coping styles were evaluated using the Coping Scale for Adults.

Results: Among substance abusers, self‐reported CSA history was associated with (1) severe depression; (2) less optimistic coping; (3) longer duration of substance abuse; and (4) the use of drugs to alleviate negative moods. A non‐substance‐abusing CSA group was remarkably similar to the CSA substance‐abusing group on all measures. Penetrative abuse, younger age at CSA onset, and lack of confidence in dealing with CSA were associated with more severe depression in CSA victims.

Conclusions: Despite several limitations of the present study, these findings have implications for treatment of substance abusing CSA victims and suggest directions for future research on the CSA‐substance disorder relationship.     

Aspects of control and substance use among middle‐aged and older adults with bipolar disorder

High prevalence rates of alcohol and substance use disorders have been reported among persons with bipolar disorder (BD). In the present study, we explored the daily experiences of middle‐aged and older adults living with BD who reported regular substance use and the ways in which participants expressed ‘control’ in relation to their use of alcohol and other substances. Semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants (nine women and three men), aged 36–57 years of age (mean = 49 years). Thematic analyses identified emergent themes and patterns in participants’ life histories. The theme of ‘control’ emerged as central to participants’ reports, and was organized into four categories: (i) substance use to control BD symptoms; (ii) substance use provides a sense of being in control; (iii) methods of controlled substance use; and (iv) not having control: overreliance on substances. Implications of the present study include the need for nurses to openly discuss the use of alcohol and other drugs with persons with BD, provide health information and screening, and determine whether persons with BD feel they have control over their substance use. Several lines of research with persons who have BD and use substances are suggested.     

Spiritual intelligence dimensions and life regard index in Iranian veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder with and without substance abuse history

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among some combatants was one of the Iran–Iraq War problems. Moreover, this disorder has a high comorbidity with other kinds of disorders like substance abuse as in the case of some Iran–Iraq War veterans. This study examined the effect of some individual psychological factors on these veterans' substance abuse. Among these factors, this study seeks to find the existence of difference between spiritual intelligence and life regard index of veterans with no history of substance abuse comparing with veterans with substance abuse history. Therefore, 120 PTSD veterans hospitalized in Shahid Rajaee Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, were studied during a 9-month period. Half were with and half were without substance abuse; they were also matched on demographic characteristics. There was a significant difference between spiritual intelligence and life regard index and also spiritual life and fulfillment sub-scales of those with history of substance abuse and those without. Conversely, no significant difference was observed on sub-scales of understanding, relationship with the Origin of Essence and fulfillment. Therefore, it can be concluded that dimensions of spiritual intelligence and positive life regard development could help to deter substance abuse, as well as accelerate recovery.     

Low Distress Tolerance and Hyperarousal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Pathway to Alcohol Use?

Research on substance use suggests that distress tolerance mediates the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol use; however, given that distress tolerance may represent vulnerabilities for both PTSD symptoms and alcohol use, it may in fact facilitate PTSD and subsequent alcohol use. The present study investigated the relationship between distress tolerance, and alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences, with PTSD hyperarousal, re-experiencing, avoidance, and numbing symptoms as mediating variables. A community based North-American sample (n = 146, 81 % = women) completed measures online as part of a larger ongoing study. Results demonstrated that distress tolerance had an indirect effect on alcohol consumption through hyperarousal symptoms but no other PTSD symptoms. No significant relationships were demonstrated with alcohol-related consequences. Findings suggest interventions promoting distress tolerance following trauma exposure may help decrease hyperarousal symptoms and subsequent risk of alcohol-use disorders. Comprehensive results, implications, and future research are discussed.