title: The long-term treatment outcomes of depression and anxiety comorbid with substance abuse.
abstract: The impact of the comorbidity of psychiatric disorder and substance abuse on treatment outcomes was estimated using data from a longitudinal survey of 1,920 individuals who were followed nearly 15 years. Individuals with anxiety or depression symptoms at baseline generally experienced increased distress at follow-up; those who received mental health treatment experienced decreased distress at follow-up. Individuals with substance abuse/dependence symptoms who received treatment at baseline had a higher risk of follow-up disability; treated individuals with substance abuse who had comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms at baseline were at lower risk of disability at follow-up. Individuals with anxiety and depression symptoms at baseline had a higher incidence of chronic illness during follow-up; those who received treatment or had substance abuse symptoms did not. The results may improve understanding of the degree to which treatment of a primary disorder may prevent the incidence or reduce the prevalence of a secondary comorbid disorder.
authors.affiliation: Treatment Research Center, Philadelphia, USA. gbovasso@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bovasso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry) / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome