Psychiatric comorbidity in young cocaine users: induced versus independent disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the psychiatric status of young cocaine users using a validated instrument for the evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity, emphasizing the distinction between independent and induced psychiatric conditions.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Barcelona, Spain.


METHODS
A cohort of 139 young (18-30 years) adult current regular cocaine users.


METHODS
The Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM-IV, which produces diagnoses according to DSM-IV criteria, including Axis II antisocial and borderline personality disorders).


RESULTS
Nearly 42.5% of the subjects presented psychiatric comorbidity. The most common Axis I diagnoses were mood disorders (26.6%) and anxiety disorders (13%). Increasing age, having ever received treatment for drug use and freebase cocaine use were associated with substance-induced disorders diagnoses relative to primary Axis I disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown a relatively high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in cocaine users recruited in non-clinical settings. Future studies examining potential differential factors associated with primary versus substance-induced disorders are necessary to optimize the implementation of more suitable approaching programmes for young regular cocaine users.
Herrero
M Jesús
MJ
Health Services Research Unit (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), Barcelona, Spain.
Domingo-Salvany
Antonia
A
Torrens
Marta
M
Brugal
M Teresa
MT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D016578:Crack Cocaine; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors