Background: The 2006-2007 Iraqi Mental Health survey (IMHS) reported surprisingly low prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in the Iraqi population. Since then anecdotal and clinical reports have suggested that abuse of alcohol and drugs in Iraq has increased. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad. Objective: To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad. Patients and methods: A total of 2678 persons were included in this survey with male to female ratio of 3.8:1. They were randomly selected from youth centers located in different sectors in Baghdad (Sader city, Al-Rusafa side and Al-Karkh side). Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to generate diagnosis. The interviewers were youth center staff who were trained by psychiatrists. Demographic data, age of onset and crowding index were obtained. Data collection was carried out on Dec. 2009. Results: A total of 16.7% met criteria for alcohol abuse and 7.02% met criteria for drug abuse. In those below 18 years of age, 2.1% reported alcohol abuse and 1.1% reported drug abuse. The peak age for alcohol and drug abuse was at 24-35 years. No female reported alcohol and substance abuse. The age of onset of alcohol was 21.7 ± 3.6 years and for drug abuse was 22 ± 5.8 years. Alcohol abuse was significantly associated with high crowding index, but drug abuse was not associated with crowding index. Low educational level was associated significantly with both alcohol and drug abuse. Conclusion: High rates of alcohol and drug abuse were recorded. A tendency for early age of onset in alcohol and drugs was observed. High household density and low educational level are important factors in alcohol and drug abuse.

Psychoactive drug use is generally low in Iraq, tobacco being highest at an estimated 23.2%. Iraqi women report significantly less substance use than Iraqi men, which may be related to cultural gender norms. Discrepancy between self-report and 'knowing someone who uses a substance' suggests under-reporting in this population.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have high risk for depression which is a potentially life-threatening disorder. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression in a sample of Iraqi patients with SLE if present. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This crosssectional study involved 60 patients with SLE diagnosed according to revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. Demographics and clinical data were collected. All patients were screened for depression by using the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-5 (DSM5) diagnostic criteria of depression. Severity of their depression was determined by using the Beck Depression Inventory criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was 31.7%. A severe form of depression was observed in 13.3% of SLE cases, moderate depression in 10%, and a mild degree of depression was 8.3% of the cases. Patients with high SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI score >12) had an obviously higher rate of depression (40%) compared to 20% among those with mild or moderate disease. There was no important or statistically significant difference in median SLEDAI score between depression severity categories (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of depression in SLE patients was relatively high. SLE disease activity increase depression rate.

Introduction: The 2006-2007 Iraqi Mental Health survey (IMHS) reported surprisingly low prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in the Iraqi population. Anecdotal suggested that abuse of alcohol and drugs has increased. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad. Methods: A total of 2678 persons was included in this survey with male to female ratio of 3.8:1. They were randomly selected from youth centers located in different sectors in Baghdad. Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to generate diagnosis. The interviewers were trained youth center staff. Data collection was carried out on Dec. 2009. Results: A total of 17% met criteria for alcohol abuse and 7.02% met criteria for drug abuse. In those below 18 years of age, 2.1% reported alcohol abuse and 1.1% reported drug abuse. The peak age for alcohol and drug abuse was at 24-35 years. No female reported alcohol and substance abuse. Age of onset of alcohol was 21.7 ± 3.6 years and for drug abuse was 22 ± 5.8 years. Alcohol abuse was significantly associated with high crowding index, but drug abuse was not associated with crowding index. Low educational level was associated significantly with both alcohol and drug abuse. Conclusion: High rates of alcohol and drug abuse and a tendency in early age of onset in alcohol and drugs were observed. High household density and low educational level are important factors in alcohol and drug abuse.

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