title: Bipolar disorder and co-occurring cannabis use disorders: characteristics, co-morbidities and clinical correlates.
abstract: This study examines rates of co-morbid mental disorders and indicators of the course of illness among individuals with bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorders (CUD). Data were drawn from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC Wave 1, 2001-2002), a nationally representative sample of adults living in the United States. Among individuals with lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder (N=1905) rates of CUD in the past 12 months were 7.2%, compared to 1.2% in the general population. Logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic variables indicated that individuals with bipolar disorder and co-occurring CUD were at increased risk for nicotine dependence (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=3.8), alcohol (AOR=6.6) and drug (AOR=11.9) use disorders, as well as antisocial personality disorder (AOR=2.8) compared to those without CUD. Among individuals with co-occurring CUD, age of onset of bipolar disorder was significantly lower and median number of manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes per year was significantly greater compared to individuals without CUD. Co-occurring CUD is associated with significant co-morbidities and a more severe course of illness among individuals with bipolar disorder. Comprehensive evaluation of patients with bipolar disorder should include a systematic assessment of CUD.
authors: Social Aetiology of Mental Illness (SAMI) CIHR Training Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Addictions Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: shauli.levran@gmail.com.
authors: Shaul
authors: S
authors: Lev-Ran
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Le Foll
authors: Kwame
authors: K
authors: McKenzie
authors: Tony P
authors: TP
authors: George
authors: Jürgen
authors: J
authors: Rehm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018672:Community Health Planning; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bipolar disorder; Cannabis; Cannabis use disorders; Co-morbidity; NESARC