Dissociative symptoms in a substance abuse population.
OBJECTIVE
This study was intended to examine the extent of dissociative experiences that exist within a substance abuse population and to determine how demographic and clinical variables affect these experiences.


METHODS
A total of 265 male veterans being treated on an inpatient substance abuse unit completed a standard test battery that included the MMPI-2, the Shipley-Hartford Institute of Living Scale, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Additional demographic and clinical information was obtained from the patients' medical records.


RESULTS
Over 41% of the cohort had scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale that suggested the need for further evaluation of a dissociative disorder. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that level of psychological discomfort, IQ, and race accounted for more than 24% of the variance in Dissociative Experiences Scale scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Substance abuse populations may need to be routinely screened for dissociative symptoms just as they are for depression and anxiety.
Dunn
G E
GE
Dwight D. Eisenhower Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Paolo
A M
AM
Ryan
J J
JJ
Van Fleet
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D044469:Racial Groups; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology