Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with first-episode psychosis and concurrent substance misuse

• Published in: Early intervention in psychiatry Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 75 - 79
• Main Authors: Carr, Jason A.R., Norman, Ross G.M., Manchanda, Rahul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.02.2009
• Subjects: Age Factors; Alcoholism - diagnosis; Alcoholism - psychology; Chi-Square Distribution; comorbidity; Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry) - psychology; Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry) - statistics & numerical data; dual diagnosis; early intervention; Female; Humans; Male; Marijuana Abuse - diagnosis; Marijuana Abuse - psychology; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotic Disorders - diagnosis; Psychotic Disorders - psychology; schizophrenia; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; substance-related disorder; Substance-Related Disorders - diagnosis; Substance-Related Disorders - psychology
• ISSN: 1751-7885; 1751-7893
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2008.00100.x

Aims: To determine the incidence of concurrent substance misuse among individuals entering first‐episode psychosis treatment, and examine whether patients with concurrent substance misuse differ on variables relevant to service planning. Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 376) were assessed using standardized instruments. Results: Twenty‐two per cent met abuse or dependence criteria for a single substance, and 8% met criteria for two substances. Most met criteria for marijuana or marijuana and alcohol. The majority of patients with a concurrent disorder were male, and on average they were 3.5 years younger at psychosis onset. Patients with a concurrent disorder experienced worse ‘positive’ and anxiety symptoms in the month before treatment. Premorbidly they had better social functioning, but worse academic functioning. Conclusions: There are important differences between patients entering first‐episode psychosis treatment with and without a concurrent substance misuse. Early intervention efforts might be informed by our accumulating knowledge about the characteristics of patients who have both disorders.