Factors associated with drug-related psychiatric disorders and suicide attempts among illicit drug users in Taiwan.
Illicit drug users, entering a detention center and two psychiatric hospitals in Northern Taiwan, were interviewed for lifetime drug-use-related psychiatric disorders and suicide attempts. Among 197 participants, 17.3%, 16.8%, and 14.2% had a drug-induced psychotic disorder (DIP), a drug-induced mood disorder (DIM), and a history of suicide attempts, respectively. Continuous use of methamphetamine and joblessness were associated with DIP and DIM, accordingly. Polysubstance use was collectively correlated with DIP and DIM. Female gender and history of having any mood disorder were predictors of suicide. These results provide useful clues for detecting drug-related psychiatric disorders and suicide among illicit drug users. The study's limitations are noted.
Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan.
Liang-Jen
LJ
Wang
Shu-Chuan
SC
Chiang
Lien-Wen
LW
Su
Shih-Ku
SK
Lin
Chih-Ken
CK
Chen
D000328:Adult; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000506:poisoning*; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008694:Methamphetamine; D003932:Heroin