Demographic and clinical characteristics of current comorbid psychiatric disorders in a randomized clinical trial for adults with stimulant use disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to determine if current comorbid psychiatric disorders differ in adults with cocaine use disorder, other stimulant (primarily methamphetamine) use disorder, or both, and identify demographic and clinical characteristics in those with increasing numbers of comorbid disorders. Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial beginning in residential settings (N=302) was used. Mood disorders were present in 33.6%, and anxiety disorders in 29.6%, with no differences among stimulant use disorder groups. Panic disorder was more frequently present with other stimulant use disorder. Those with two or more comorbid psychiatric disorders were more often female, White, had more symptoms of depression, greater propensity and risk for suicidal behavior, lower functioning in psychiatric and family domains, lower quality of life, more symptoms with stimulant abstinence and greater likelihood of marijuana dependence. Those with one or more comorbid disorders had more medical disorder burden, lower cognitive and physical functioning, greater pain, and higher rates of other drug dependence. With current comorbid psychiatric disorders, the morbidity of stimulant use disorders increases. Use of validated assessments near treatment entry, and a treatment plan targeting not only substance use and comorbid psychiatric disorders, but functional impairments, medical disorder burden and pain, may be useful.

Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg: A Narrative Review to Identify Research Gaps on Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents with Methamphetamine use Disorder or Chronic Methamphetamine Use

“…In adults that receive or enter treatment for MUD, the number of comorbid mental disorders is associated with greater severity of stimulant use disorder as well as greater psychiatric and psychosocial problems such as more depressive symptoms, more frequent suicidal ideations, lower quality of life, more SUD symptoms during abstinence, and lower cognitive functioning. 45 However, the severity of these comorbidities inversely predicts the duration of drug abstinence in adults. 46 In adults, the experience of serious psychiatric/behavioral problems that are related—and likely induced—by MA use, predicts longer abstinence periods after treatment.…”

“…Is there evidence that the aforementioned mental disorders are highly prevalent in adolescent MUD patients as is the case for adult MUD patients? 45 , 48 , 49…”

Cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition of stimulant users: A baseline analysis of the STRIDE cohort

“…Other variables that differed significantly between genders included education (males: 12.6±1.7 years, females: 12.2±2.1 years; p=0.02), nicotine dependence (males: 3.8±2.3, females: 3.0±1.8 years p=0.04), and the ASI-alcohol subscale score (males: 0.26±0.3, females: 0.14±0.2; p=0.002). More detailed information on drug use characteristics of the participants, as well as number of years of stimulant use, have been published previously (de la Cruz et al, 2014; Warden et al, 2016). No significant differences were found between cocaine versus methamphetamine/amphetamine users across education or income.…”

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients With Cocaine Use Disorder: A 18-years Addiction Cohort Study

“…In addition, patients with CUD show a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, such as mood disorders (12–62%), anxiety disorders (21–45%) and suicidal tendencies, among others ( Vergara-Moragues et al, 2012 ; Warden et al, 2016 ). Cocaine use has also been associated with traffic accidents and violence ( Giovanardi et al, 2005 ; Pavarin et al, 2011 ).…”