Some new directions for research on psychological interventions for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders.
OBJECTIVE
Comorbidity between anxiety and substance use disorders is common, yet it is poorly understood and poorly treated.


METHODS
Narrative literature review. PsycINFO and Medline databases were searched for clinical trials of anxiety and substance use disorders using clinical queries for 2005-2009.


RESULTS
There are few well-conducted treatment outcome trials for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Some recent (2005-2009) outcome literature has focused on specific mechanisms (anxiety sensitivity and tension reduction alcohol expectancies) that may underlie comorbidity between anxiety and substance use disorders and may lead to more targeted intervention. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION: The research base for understanding and treating comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders needs to be broadened. In particular research is needed with a focus on: (i) specifying particular comorbid relationships between anxiety and substance use disorders; (ii) the mechanisms that may underlie and maintain those relationships; and (iii) well-conducted evaluations of treatments that target those mechanisms.
Baillie
Andrew J
AJ
Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. andrew.baillie@mq.edu.au
Stapinski
Lexine
L
Crome
Erica
E
Morley
Kirsten
K
Sannibale
Claudia
C
Haber
Paul
P
Teesson
Maree
M
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome