Psychopathology in methamphetamine-dependent adults 3 years after treatment.
OBJECTIVE
Although psychiatric symptoms are frequently observed in methamphetamine (MA) users, little is known about the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in MA-dependent individuals. This is the first study to examine the association of psychiatric disorders with substance use and psychosocial functioning in a large sample of MA users 3 years after treatment. We predicted that psychiatric diagnoses and severity would be associated with substance use and poorer overall functioning over the 3 year post-treatment course.


METHODS
Participants (N = 526) received psychosocial treatment for MA dependence as part of the Methamphetamine Treatment Project and were reassessed for psychosocial functioning and substance use at a mean of 3 years after treatment initiation. DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses were assessed at follow-up using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index.


RESULTS
Overall, 48.1% of the sample met criteria for a current or past psychiatric disorder other than a substance use disorder. Consistent with prior reports from clinical samples of cocaine users, this rate was largely accounted for by mood disorders, anxiety disorders and antisocial personality. Those with an Axis I psychiatric disorder evidenced increased MA use and greater functional impairment over time relative to those without a psychiatric disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
This initial investigation of psychiatric diagnoses in MA users after treatment indicates elevated rates of Axis I and II disorders in this population and underscores the need for integrated psychiatric assessment and intervention in drug abuse treatment settings.
Glasner-Edwards
Suzette
S
Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, 1640 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. sglasner@ucla.edu
Mooney
Larissa J
LJ
Marinelli-Casey
Patricia
P
Hillhouse
Maureen
M
Ang
Alfonso
A
Rawson
Richard A
RA
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D008694:Methamphetamine