<p>Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders: Clinical Survey Among a Rural Cohort of Italian Patients</p>

Abstract

PurposeDual diagnosis (DD) is the co-occurrence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD). Lots of studies have analysed the integrated clinical approach, which involves both psychiatry and toxicology medical experts. The purpose of this study is to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics and treatment strategies of patients with DD in a rural area of Italy.Patients and MethodsClinical data of 750 patients were collected in 2016 through the analysis of health plan records.ResultsThe rate of co-occurring disorders is highly variable among people with SUD. In the considered area, patients with DD are 24%, of these only 46.1% have been treated with an integrated clinical program. Moreover, this percentage is further reduced (35.8%) if only patients with heroin use disorder are considered.ConclusionA comprehensive revision of DD treatment is needed, especially for people suffering from heroin use disorder and living in remote areas. Meticulous data analysis from other addiction health services of rural areas could be necessary to identify a science-based clinical intervention.

Efficacy of Psychosocial and Psychological Interventions in Addition to Drug Therapy to Improve Global Functioning of Inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum and Mood Disorders: A Real-World Observational Study

“…28 Moreover, a high prevalence of comorbid AUD/SUD among schizophrenic and psychotic patients, with a rate of comorbidity assessed between 40% and 70%, is internationally recognized worldwide. 29,30 Specifically, the recorded prevalence of SUD is 25.1% in patients with schizophrenia and 20.1% in those with bipolar disorder, 31 confirming recent trends and sociocultural changes, and evidence from the recent pandemic period. In Italy there are no recent and systematic epidemiological data regarding the rate of co-occurring disorders among people with SUD patients; a recent Italian study conducted in a rural area of Liguria Region has shown that patients with a psychiatric diagnosis and a SUD/AUD in drug abuse services are 24%.…”

Presenting Pattern and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Rural versus Urban Substance Dependent Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…An Italian study in rural users found psychiatric comorbidities with SUD as – mood disorders (72%) > personality disorders (60%) > psychotic disorders (24%) > cognitive disorders (17%) > anxiety disorders (7%). [ 14 ] Bhat et al . [ 51 ] īn a study from Kashmir, India found that 62.2% patients with opioid use and another psychiatric illness were from a rural background, most commonly ADHD (24.3%) > depressive disorder (10.8%) > panic disorder (4.1%) > OCD and personality disorders (1.4%).…”

“…Fewer social risk factors and stigmatization among rural patients were factors sighted. [ 6 13 14 ] Underpinnings of these differences are speculative. Although urban living is associated with more stress, breakdown of support systems, and economic instability; lack of availability, accessibility, and affordability of mental health services in rural areas still remain important.…”

Investigating the Effectiveness of Brexpiprazole in Subjects with Schizophrenia Spectrum Illness and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder: A Prospective, Multicentric, Real-World Study

“…Specifically, the majority (42.8%) of these individuals were dependent on central nervous system depressants such as heroin and cannabis. On the other hand, the most common mental illnesses identified were mood disorders (40%), personality disorders (33.3%), and schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (13.3%) [ 13 ].…”