Self-reported effects of alcohol use on symptoms of schizophrenia

doi:10.1176/ps.47.4.421

Cited by 32 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The self-medication hypothesis, postulates that people use substances such as alcohol as a means of self-regulating their distressing emotions [28, 29]. In a qualitative study involving a semi-structured interview design, participants with schizophrenia and a history of AUD were more likely to cite the use of alcohol to relieve symptoms of depression, and problems or worries than those without comorbid AUD [30]. Additionally, the reported prevalence in this paper is also consistent with the trend of lower prevalence of hazardous alcohol use in Asian countries compared to other Western countries as reported earlier in this paper.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hazardous alcohol use in a sample of first episode psychosis patients in Singapore

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundHazardous alcohol use has often been found to be more prevalent amongst psychiatric outpatients than the general population. Additionally, it has also been associated with poorer outcomes. The study aimed to investigate (1) the prevalence and (2) socio-demographic and clinical correlates of hazardous alcohol use, as well as (3) the relationship between hazardous alcohol use and quality of life in an outpatient sample with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) in Singapore.MethodsBaseline data (N = 280) was extracted from a longitudinal study investigating smoking and alcohol use amongst outpatients with FEP in a psychiatric hospital. Information on socio-demographics, hazardous alcohol use, and quality of life was collected through a self-report survey. Hazardous alcohol use was ascertained by total scores of 8 or higher on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Data was analysed using logistic regression and linear regression analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of hazardous alcohol use over the past 12-month period was 12.9%. Those who had never smoked in their lifetime (vs current smokers) and those with a diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder (vs schizophrenia spectrum disorders) were found to have significantly lower odds of hazardous alcohol use. Hazardous alcohol use was also associated with lower negative symptom scores. Lastly, hazardous alcohol use was found to significantly predict lower scores on the physical health, social relationship and environment domains of quality of life.ConclusionsThe association between hazardous alcohol use and lower negative symptom scores is a surprising finding that needs to be further explored. The significant impact of hazardous alcohol use in reductions in quality of life suggests that early screening and interventions could benefit patients with hazardous alcohol use and comorbid psychosis.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hazardous alcohol use in a sample of first episode psychosis patients in Singapore

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Rather, the data suggest that preference for street drugs varies over time and as a function of the demographic characteristics of the sample, similar to patterns in the general population (Mueser, Yarnold, & Bellack, 1992). Similarly, people with schizophrenia often report the same reasons for their drug use as primary substance abusers: using to cope with negative affective states, interpersonal conflict, and social pressures (Bradizza, Stasiewicz, & Carey, 1998; Dixon et al, 1991; Krausz, Mass, Haasen, & Gross, 1996; Noordsy et al, 1991; Pristach & Smith, 1996; Sandberg & Marlatt, 1991), as well as reasons related to socialization and boredom (Carey et al, 1999; Mueser et al, 1995; Warner et al, 1994). The situational context seems to be an important determinant of substance abuse for people with schizophrenia, as it is for other abusers (McCrady, 1993), with findings that about half of alcohol abuse occurs in a social context (Dixon Haas, Weiden, Sweeney, & Francis, 1990).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance dependence and remission in schizophrenia: A comparison of schizophrenia and affective disorders

Bennett

Bellack

Brown

et al. 2009

Addictive Behaviors

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The present study examined psychiatric functioning, substance use and consequences, and motivation to change in people with schizophrenia and affective disorders and current or remitted cocaine dependence. Data were collected as part of a naturalistic, longitudinal study examining substance use, motivation to change, and the process of change in people with schizophrenia and affective disorders who were currently dependent or in remission from cocaine dependence. We examined the following questions: (1) Do those in remission show better psychiatric functioning than those who are currently dependent? (2) How do people with schizophrenia and current cocaine dependence differ in terms of substance use and consequences from people with schizophrenia in remission and people with affective disorders and current drug dependence? (3) What internal factors and external factors are associated with changes in substance use in schizophrenia and how do these compare to those in nonpsychotic affective disorders? Results indicated that people with schizophrenia and current dependence reported higher levels of positive and negative symptoms than those in remission. Remission status was related to less use of other drugs, fewer days of drug problems, less distress from drug problems, and more lifetime drug-related consequences. Those with current dependence reported more days of drinking and drinking to intoxication, as well as higher rates of current alcohol use disorders than the remitted group. When compared to those with affective disorders and cocaine dependence, those with schizophrenia and current dependence reported fewer days of problems associated with their drug use, less distress from drug problems, and fewer recent and lifetime consequences associated with their drug use. The schizophrenia dependent group generally showed the lowest readiness to change, fewest efforts being made to change, and lowest confidence in the ability to change. Implications of these findings are discussed.

show abstract

“…Alcohol was claimed to increase pleasure, reduce dysphoria, apathy and anhedonia and facilitate sleep by a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia [ 120 , 145 , 146 ]. The time course of alcohol use during schizophrenia development suggests that initial use for sociability and celebrations gives way to using in order to relieve depression [ 147 ].…”

Section: Alcohol For Self-management During the Lifespanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-management with alcohol over lifespan: psychological mechanisms, neurobiological underpinnings, and risk assessment

Müller¹,

Schumann²,

Rehm³

et al. 2023

Mol Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Self-management includes all behavioural measures and cognitive activities aimed at coping with challenges arising throughout the lifespan. While virtually all of these challenges can be met without pharmacological means, alcohol consumption has long been instrumentalized as a supporting tool to help coping with problems arising selectively at adolescence, adulthood, and ageing. Here, we present, to our knowledge, the first systematic review of alcohol instrumentalization throughout lifespan. We searched MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and CINAHL (from Jan, 1990, to Dec, 2022) and analysed consumption patterns, goals and potential neurobiological mechanisms. Evidence shows a regular non-addictive use of alcohol to self-manage developmental issues during adolescence, adulthood, and ageing. Alcohol is selectively used to overcome problems arising from dysfunctional personality traits, which manifest in adolescence. A large range of psychiatric disorders gives rise to alcohol use for the self-management of distinct symptoms starting mainly in adulthood. We identify those neuropharmacological effects of alcohol that selectively serve self-management under specific conditions. Finally, we discuss the adverse effects and associated risks that arise from the use of alcohol for self-management. Even well-controlled alcohol use adversely impacts health. Based on these findings, we suggest the implementation of an entirely new view. Health policy action may actively embrace both sides of the phenomenon through a personalized informed use that allows for harm-controlled self-management with alcohol.

show abstract

Self-reported effects of alcohol use on symptoms of schizophrenia

Cited by 32 publications

References 0 publications

Hazardous alcohol use in a sample of first episode psychosis patients in Singapore

Hazardous alcohol use in a sample of first episode psychosis patients in Singapore

Substance dependence and remission in schizophrenia: A comparison of schizophrenia and affective disorders

Self-management with alcohol over lifespan: psychological mechanisms, neurobiological underpinnings, and risk assessment

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About