The prevalence of comorbid substance misuse and its influence on suicidal ideation among in-patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence, and identify the clinical correlates of comorbid substance misuse (abuse or dependence) among readmissions with schizophrenia, particularly to establish whether comorbid substance misuse is associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.


METHODS
Over 12 months, consecutive readmissions from a catchment area psychiatric service with DSM-IV schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder were assessed using clinical assessments of symptomatology including depression, insight and compliance. Comorbid substance misuse was diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria.


RESULTS
Of 102 readmissions 40% had lifetime, while 20% had current comorbid substance misuse and were predominately young males. Comorbid substance misuse had no statistically significant impact on positive, negative or depressive symptomatology. However, those currently misusing substances reported more suicidal ideation compared with past or non-substance misusers.


CONCLUSIONS
Readmissions with comorbid substance misuse were more likely to report suicidal ideation, and may represent a group of individuals who are at higher risk of suicide.
Kamali
M
M
The Theodore and Vada Stanley Research Unit, St John of God Adult Psychiatric Service, Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Eire.
Kelly
L
L
Gervin
M
M
Browne
S
S
Larkin
C
C
O'Callaghan
E
E
D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data