Benzodiazepine abuse, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal among schizophrenic patients: A review of the literature.

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia are at least three times more likely to develop a substance use disorder than controls. These patients are frequently prescribed benzodiacepines as a coadjuvant drug, which have a high potential for addiction. We performed a literature review aiming to gather evidence on various topics concerning the use of benzodiacepines in schizophrenia, with a focus on possible abuse: 1) Prevalence of prescripted and non-prescripted benzodiacepine use among patients, 2) Prevalence of abusers, 3) Effects of long-term benzodiacepine abuse in schizophrenia prognosis, 4) Possible management strategies for benzodiacepine abuse in this population. Our search revealed there is a high variability (up to 20%) in benzodiacepine abuse among patients, with cannabis and stimulants being more frequent, and no clear demographic traits have been identified among these patients. Patients with affective symptoms are more likely to abuse benzodiazepines. Its long-term effects on prognosis have been debated, with some papers hinting at a higher mortality rate. Tapering benzodiacepines has been associated with an improvement in some cognitive functions. Management strategies for potential abuse do not differ greatly for this population, and no specific pharmacological aid can be indicated, but an integral approach is proposed.

Substance-induced psychotic symptoms in Borderline Personality Disorder among substance use disorder samples in Spain.

Substance-induced psychosis (SIP) is frequent in substance use disorder patients. However, little is known about the presence of SIP in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and what the risk factors for the development of SIP in this population would be. A sample of 91 BPD drug-dependent patients attending an outpatient substance use disorder unit was evaluated. Comorbidity with Axis I and II was assessed using SCID-I and SCID-II. Psychoactive drug related variables were registered as well as the presence of the ninth criterion of DSM-IV-TR as a code of psychotic symptoms. A total of 50.5% of the sample were women. The most prevalent drug consumed was cocaine (67%) followed by cannabis (47.3%) and then alcohol (39.6%). A total of 62.8% people with BPD registered substance-induced psychosis symptoms in their lifetime. Notably, this study found these symptoms were not associated with the presence of psychotic symptoms registered in ninth criterion. Cocaine and cannabis consumption are associated with the presence of SIP in SUD-BPD patients. No other clinical variables were related in this sample. Further research studies are needed to find other risk factors for SIP in this patient group.

Psychotic Symptoms Associated with the use of Dopaminergic Drugs, in Patients with Cocaine Dependence or Abuse.

BACKGROUND: In the field of dual diagnosis, physicians are frequently presented with pharmacological questions. Questions about the risk of developing psychotic symptoms in cocaine users who need treatment with dopaminergic drugs could lead to an undertreatment. OBJECTIVE: Review the presence of psychotic symptoms in patients with cocaine abuse/dependence, in treatment with dopaminergic drugs. METHODS: Systematic PubMed searches were conducted including December 2014, using the keywords: "cocaine", dopaminergic drug ("disulfuram-methylphenidate-bupropion-bromocriptine-sibutramineapomorphine- caffeine") and ("psychosis-psychotic symptoms-delusional-paranoia"). Articles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian were included. Articles in which there was no history of cocaine abuse/dependence, absence of psychotic symptoms, systematic reviews, and animal studies, were excluded. RESULTS: 313 papers were reviewed. 7 articles fulfilled the inclusion-exclusion criteria. There is a clinical trial including 8 cocaine-dependent patients using disulfiram in which 3 of them presented psychotic symptoms and 6 case-reports: disulfuram (1), methylphenidate (1), disulfiram with methylphenidate (2), and bupropion (2), reporting psychotic symptoms, especially delusions of reference and persecutory ideation. CONCLUSION: Few cases have been described, which suggests that the appearance of these symptoms is infrequent. The synergy of dopaminergic effects or the dopaminergic sensitization in chronic consumption are the explanatory theories proposed by the authors. In these cases, a relationship was found between taking these drugs and the appearance of psychotic symptoms. Given the low number of studies found, further research is required. The risk of psychotic symptoms seems to be acceptable if we compare it with the benefits for the patients but a closer monitoring seems to be advisable.

Severity factors associated with borderline personality disorder among misusers in an outpatient sample in Spain.

The comorbidity between substance-use disorders and borderline personality disorder (SUD-BPD) with other psychiatric disorders has been little studied. A total of 937 drug-dependent patients were evaluated using semistructured interviews and 13.7% were SUD-BPD patients. After multivariate analysis, gender, Affective Disorder (OR 2.59), Anxiety Disorder (OR 1.90), Eating Disorders (OR 4.29), Cocaine (OR 2.16), benzodiazepine dependence (OR 1.90), early age of onset of drug consumption (OR 0.94), and dependent (OR 4.04), paranoid (OR 3.70) and antisocial personality disorders (OR 3.46) were associated with SUD-BPD. Several psychiatric comorbidities are the norm in SUD-BPD patients; therefore these patients are a challenge for clinicians.

A Highly Polymorphic Copy Number Variant in the NSF Gene is Associated with Cocaine Dependence.

Cocaine dependence is a complex psychiatric disorder involving both genetic and environmental factors. Several neurotransmitter systems mediate cocaine's effects, dependence and relapse, being the components of the neurotransmitter release machinery good candidates for the disorder. Previously, we identified a risk haplotype for cocaine dependence in the NSF gene, encoding the protein N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor essential for synaptic vesicle turnover. Here we examined the possible contribution to cocaine dependence of a large copy number variant (CNV) that encompasses part of the NSF gene. We performed a case-control association study in a discovery sample (359 cases and 356 controls) and identified an association between cocaine dependence and the CNV (P = 0.013), that was confirmed in the replication sample (508 cases and 569 controls, P = 7.1e-03) and in a pooled analysis (P = 1.8e-04), with an over-representation of low number of copies in cases. Subsequently, we studied the functional impact of the CNV on gene expression and found that the levels of two NSF transcripts were significantly increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) along with the number of copies of the CNV. These results, together with a previous study from our group, support the role of NSF in the susceptibility to cocaine dependence.

Perfil clínico de impulsividad en el Trastorno Límite de Personalidad con Trastorno de Uso por Sustancias comórbido / Impulsive clinical profile of Borderline Personality Disorder with comorbid Substance Use

Introducción. El Trastorno Límite de Personalidad (TLP) es uno de los Trastornos de Personalidad (TP) más frecuentemente asociado con el Trastorno por Uso de Sustancias (TUS). De acuerdo con diferentes modelos, el subtipo TLP-Desregulación conductual tiene mayor prevalencia de TUS y de ciertas conductas de impulsividad que los otros dos subgrupos. Método. De un total de 156 pacientes TLP, 47 eran del subgrupo Desregulación conductual, 55 de Desregulación afectiva, y 54 de Alteración relacional. Todos los pacientes completaron SCID-II para los trastornos del Eje II del DSMIV, SCID-I para los trastornos del Eje I, Escala Impulsividad de Barratt (BIS-11) y la Entrevista Diagnóstica Revisada para Límites (DIB-R). Resultados. En la comparación entre los subgrupos TLP, Desregulación conductual mostraba prevalencia significativamente mayor de TUS (alcohol y cocaína), y tendencia a ansiolíticos, mayor impulsividad (DIB-R, pero no en BIS-11) y un mayor número de tentativas de suicido e ingresos psiquiátricos, aunque éstos no eran estadísticamente significativos en comparación con los otros subgrupos. Conclusiones. Estos resultados deberían ser especialmente útiles en la discriminación de pacientes TLP en relación al pronóstico y a los diferentes abordajes terapéuticos

Introduction. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the Personality Disorder most frequently associated with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). According to different models, the Behavioral dysregulation-BPD subgroup has a higher prevalence of SUD and certain impulsivity behaviors than the other two subgroups. Methods. Out of 156 BPD patients, 47 were in the Behavioral dysregulation-BPD subgroup, 55 in Affective dysregulation, and 54 in Disturbed relatedness. All patients completed the SCID-II for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders, SCID-I for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R). Results. In the comparison of the BPD subgroups, Behavioral dysregulation showed significantly more prevalence of SUD (alcohol and cocaine), and tendency for anxiolytics, higher impulsivity (DIB-R, but none in BIS-11), and higher number of suicide attempts and psychiatric admissions, although these was not significant in comparison with the other subgroups. Conclusions. This should be especially useful in the discrimination of BPD patients for different therapeutic approaches and prognoses

Impulsive clinical profile of Borderline Personality Disorder with comorbid Substance Use Disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the Personality Disorder most frequently associated with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). According to different models, the Behavioral dysregulation-BPD subgroup has a higher prevalence of SUD and certain impulsivity behaviors than the other two subgroups. METHODS: Out of 156 BPD patients, 47 were in the Behavioral dysregulation-BPD subgroup, 55 in Affective dysregulation, and 54 in Disturbed relatedness. All patients completed the SCID-II for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders, SCID-I for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R). RESULTS: In the comparison of the BPD subgroups, Behavioral dysregulation showed significantly more prevalence of SUD (alcohol and cocaine), and tendency for anxiolytics, higher impulsivity (DIB-R, but none in BIS-11), and higher number of suicide attempts and psychiatric admissions, although these was not significant in comparison with the other subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This should be especially useful in the discrimination of BPD patients for different therapeutic approaches and prognoses.

Psychiatric comorbidities in opioid-dependent patients undergoing a replacement therapy programme in Spain: The PROTEUS study.

Opioid-dependent patients show a high rate of psychiatric comorbidities. The prevalence and characteristics of patients with dual diagnosis have not been well established in Spanish opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programmes. Thus, 621 opioid-dependent patients enrolled in OAT programmes were assessed, using the EuropASI questionnaire, for psychiatric comorbidities, which were detected in 67% of patients (anxiety 53%, mood disorders 48%, sleep disorders 41%, substance-related disorders 36%). In addition, compared with patients without a dual diagnosis, patients with dual pathology were significantly older, used benzodiazepines and cannabis in significantly greater percentages, and showed significantly more frequent infectious and non-infectious comorbidities, worse overall working status, a lower proportion of drivers and higher levels of severity regarding medical, employment, alcohol, legal, family and psychological issues. Therefore, the data showed a very high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in opioid-dependent patients receiving OAT in Spain and several problems frequently associated with patients with dual diagnosis. Physicians treating opioid-dependent patients should be aware of these facts to correctly identify and manage patients with a dual diagnosis.

Relevant Differences in Perception and Knowledge of Professionals in Different Spanish Autonomous Communities Regarding Availability of Resources for Patients with Dual disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of health professionals attending patients with dual disorders about specific resources for patients with this condition in different Spanish regions. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study to compare the perceptions of healthcare professionals (n=659) with reality regarding specific resources available for patients with dual disorders in Spain. The professionals completed an online questionnaire. Nineteen commissioners and managers responsible for national and regional substance abuse programs also completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: A representative sample of professionals from each community (553 centers in 235 Spanish cities) participated in the study. Most participants (93.2%) felt that specific resources for patients with dual disorders are needed. High percentages of professionals thought that there were no specific workshops (88.4%), subacute units (83.1%), day hospitals (82.8%), specific day centers (78.5%), or outpatient programs (73.2%) for patients with dual disorders. The real knowledge of professionals regarding the existence of specific resources varied according to the type of resource and autonomous community. The professionals generally underestimated the number of units available in their communities. CONCLUSIONS: There were clear differences in the real knowledge that healthcare professionals had about the resources available for patients with dual disorders in relation to the autonomous community where they were practicing. Actions are needed to harmonize knowledge nationally, for example, a single registry, white paper, or a national program for patients with dual disorders.

Impulsivity and addiction severity in cocaine and opioid dependent patients.

BACKGROUND: Impulsivity as a personality trait is a risk factor for the development and maintenance of cocaine and opioid dependence. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between impulsivity and addiction severity in cocaine and opioid dependent patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study of 526 patients with lifetime cocaine dependence (CD, n=351), opiate dependence (OD, n=51) and comorbid cocaine and opiate dependence (COD, n=124) to throughout life, according to DSM-IV-TR, was conducted. The sample was recruited at the Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Unit of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from January 2006 to April 2013. Patients were evaluated with the EuropASI, the SCID I and II interviews, and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11). Descriptive statistics of the main variables (including mean, standard deviation) was performed. Chi square test was used to compare categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare continuous variables. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between EuropASI scores and BIS-11 scores. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36.37years±8.08 (19-66). CD and COD were more impulsive and had higher addiction severity than OD. OD patients had worse medical status than CD and COD patients while COD patients had more severe drug use and legal problems than the other groups. However, impulsivity and addiction severity were only positively correlated in CD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Impulsivity should be appropriately screened and addressed in cocaine dependents as it may be related to addiction severity.

Diferencias relevantes en la percepción y el grado de conocimiento de los profesionales de las distintas Comunidades Autónomas españolas sobre la existencia de recursos para pacientes con patología dual / Relevant Differences in Perception and Knowledge of Professionals in Different Spanish Autonomous Communities Regarding Availability of Resources for Patients with Dual disorders

Objetivos. Evaluar el grado de conocimiento de los profesionales sanitarios que atienden a pacientes con patología dual acerca de recursos específicos disponibles para esta patología en las diferentes comunidades autónomas españolas. Metodología. Estudio observacional, transversal y multicéntrico para comparar la percepción de los profesionales sanitarios (n=659) con la realidad en cuanto a los recursos específicos disponibles para los pacientes con patología dual en España, mediante un cuestionario on-line, que fue cumplimentado también por los 19 comisionados y gestores responsables de los planes nacionales y regionales de drogas. Resultados: Participó en el estudio una muestra representativa de profesionales de cada comunidad, procedentes de 553 centros de 235 ciudades españolas. La mayoría de participantes (93,2%) opinó que es necesaria la existencia de recursos específicos en patología dual. Porcentajes elevados de profesionales consideraron que no existían talleres específicos (88,4%), unidades de subagudos (83,1%), hospitales de día (82,8%), centros de día específicos (78,5%) o programas ambulatorios (73,2%). El grado de conocimiento sobre la existencia de recursos específicos varió en función del tipo de recursos y comunidad autónoma. En general, los profesionales subestimaban el número de unidades ofrecidas en sus comunidades. Conclusiones. Existen claras diferencias en el grado de conocimiento de los recursos para pacientes con patología dual entre los profesionales, en función de la comunidad autónoma donde ejercen. Son necesarias actuaciones de armonización a nivel nacional, como un registro unificado, un libro blanco o un plan nacional para patología dual

Objectives. To assess the knowledge of health professionals attending patients with dual disorders about specific resources for patients with this condition in different Spanish regions. Methods. Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study to compare the perceptions of healthcare professionals (n=659) with reality regarding specific resources available for patients with dual disorders in Spain. The professionals completed an online questionnaire. Nineteen commissioners and managers responsible for national and regional substance abuse programs also completed the questionnaire. Results. A representative sample of professionals from each community (553 centers in 235 Spanish cities) participated in the study. Most participants (93.2%) felt that specific resources for patients with dual disorders are needed. High percentages of professionals thought that there were no specific workshops (88.4%), subacute units (83.1%), day hospitals (82.8%), specific day centers (78.5%), or outpatient programs (73.2%) for patients with dual disorders. The real knowledge of professionals regarding the existence of specific resources varied according to the type of resource and autonomous community. The professionals generally underestimated the number of units available in their communities. Conclusions. There were clear differences in the real knowledge that healthcare professionals had about the resources available for patients with dual disorders in relation to the autonomous community where they were practicing. Actions are needed to harmonize knowledge nationally, for example, a single registry, white paper, or a national program for patients with dual disorders

Cocaine-induced Psychosis and Brain-derived Neurothrophic Factor in Patients with Cocaine Dependence: Report of Two Cases.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is linked to numerous brain functions. In addition, BDNF alterations contribute to neurological, mental, and addictive disorders. Cocaine dependence has received much attention recently due to its prevalence and psychological effects. Symptoms of psychosis are one of the most serious adverse events precipitated by cocaine use. It is particularly important to identify patients at risk of developing cocaine-induced psychosis (CIP). We described two cases of patients with cocaine dependence who presented with CIP and had changes in their BDNF levels during the psychotic episode. BDNF levels were initially low in both patients, and then decreased by more than 50% in association with CIP. The relationship between BDNF and psychosis is described in the literature. These cases revealed that BDNF levels decreased during a CIP episode and, thus, it is necessary to investigate BDNF and its relationship with CIP further.

Self-perceived quality of life in cocaine dependents with or without dual diagnosis / Calidad de vida autopercibida en pacientes dependientes de cocaína con o sin diagnóstico de patología dual

INTRODUCTION: Although impairment in the quality of life is common among cocaine dependent patients, there are but a few researches about the interaction between addiction and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To study different parameters of quality of life in a sample of cocaine dependent patients and to compare patients with or without dual diagnosis. Also, to promote the importance of subjectivity in the quality of life and to propose to incorporate patients' self-perception into their treatment. METHOD: Three diagnostic interviews were administered (SCID-I, SCID-II and PRISM) and a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) was applied between two different patient groups: Group I (cocaine dependent patients) and Group II (cocaine dependent patients with other mental disorder). RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with dual disorders (Group II) showed broader differences in perceptions of their quality of life in comparison with their clinicians. The perception of quality of life may vary depending on the presence and severity of mental disorders, and these different appreciations may explain the difficulties that clinicians face in understanding their patients' expectations and motivations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A systematic evaluation of the subjective quality of life should be included in the management of cocaine dependent patients in order to more accurately understand the patients' perception of their treatment, motivations and expectations.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La calidad de vida de los pacientes dependientes a la cocaína se encuentra alterada y hay poca información acerca de cómo interactúa la dependencia a sustancias y la calidad de vida. OBJETIVO: Estudiar los diferentes parámetros de calidad de vida en pacientes dependientes a la cocaína con o sin diagnóstico de patología dual. Asimismo, señalar la importancia de la subjetividad en la calidad de vida y proponer la incorporación de la autopercepción de los pacientes en su tratamiento. MÉTODO: Se realizaron tres entrevistas diagnósticas (SCID-I, SCID-II y PRISM) y un cuestionario de calidad de vida (SF-36) entre dos grupos diferentes de pacientes: Grupo I (pacientes con dependencia a la cocaína solamente) y Grupo II (pacientes dependiente a la cocaína con otro trastorno mental). RESULTADOS: Los pacientes diagnosticados con patología dual (Grupo II) mostraban amplias diferencias en la percepción de la calidad de vida comparada con la percepción de sus terapeutas. La percepción de la calidad de vida podría variar dependiendo de la presencia y gravedad de los trastornos mentales asociados. Además, estas diferentes apreciaciones podrían explicar las dificultades que tiene el clínico para entender las expectativas y motivaciones del paciente de cara a su tratamiento. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes dependientes a la cocaína debería realizarse de forma sistemática una evaluación de la calidad de vida subjetiva con el fin de conocer con mayor precisión la percepción que tienen los pacientes de su tratamiento, así como sus motivaciones y expectativas.

Motivational interviewing group at inpatient detoxification, its influence in maintaining abstinence and treatment retention after discharge.

The relapse rate after discharge from inpatient detoxification is high. The objective of this pilot study is to assess the sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic factors associated with maintaining abstinence in patients who participated in a brief motivational interviewing group during admission for detoxification. A total of 46 patients, diagnosed substance dependent according to DSM -IV, and admitted to the Hospital Detoxification Unit, participated in a brief motivational interviewing group. Sociodemographic, clinical, motivation to change (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, URICA) and satisfaction with the treatment group (Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire, CPT) data were collected. Abstinence and treatment retention two months after discharge were assessed by weekly telephone calls. A survival analysis was performed. Being male, having more cognitions of the maintenance stage of change at discharge, being satisfied with group therapy and therapist during hospitalization are associated with longer abstinence after discharge. The brief motivational interviewing group approach with patients admitted for detoxification is related to greater likelihood of maintaining abstinence and subsequent treatment retention.

La tasa de recaída en el consumo al alta de una Unidad de Desintoxicación Hospitalaria es elevada. El objetivo de este estudio piloto es valorar los factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y terapéuticos asociados al mantenimiento de la abstinencia de pacientes que han participado en un grupo psicoterapéutico breve de corte motivacional durante su ingreso para la desintoxicación.Un total de 46 pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno por dependencia a sustancias, según DSM-IV, ingresados en Unidad de Desintoxicación Hospitalaria participaron en un grupo breve de corte motivacional. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, así como la motivación al cambio (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, URICA) y la satisfacción con el tratamiento grupal (Cuestionario de Percepciones de Tratamiento, CPT). El mantenimiento de la abstinencia y la retención al tratamiento, dos meses tras el alta, se evaluaron mediante llamadas telefónicas semanales. Se realizó un análisis de supervivencia. Los resultados muestran que ser varón, tener cogniciones del estadio de mantenimiento del cambio al alta y tener una buena satisfacción con la terapia grupal y su terapeuta durante el ingreso, se asocia con mayor tiempo en abstinencia tras el alta. El abordaje psicoterapéutico grupal breve de corte motivacional, en pacientes ingresados para la desintoxicación, se relaciona con mayor probabilidad de mantenimiento de abstinencia y de retención al tratamiento posterior.

Regional analysis of health service utilisation by persons with borderline personality disorders: implications for evidence-informed policy.

BACKGROUND: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has been associated with an intensive use of health resources and a high economic burden. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to analyze the use of mental healthcare resources by BPD patients, to identify the information gaps on BPD at the regional health databases and to describe specific indicators and patterns of care utilization by persons with BPD in order to guide evidence-informed policy planning in Catalonia (Spain). METHODS: A multi-level cross-design synthesis approach was applied following a mixed quantitative-qualitative analysis to estimate the regional service utilisation of patients with BPD. This framing analysis included estimates based on all available data on the use of services combined with prior expert knowledge gathered through a nominal group of key stakeholders in this field. RESULTS: The estimated year prevalence of BPD was 0.7% but only 9.6% of all BPD patients in Catalonia had any contact with the health care system. Of those, less than half contacted mental health care. BPD represented 1.7% of the total care load in the community mental health centres. A significant information gap was identified in all the official databases and impeded their direct use for planning and resource allocation in BPD. Expert knowledge was required to estimate rates of care utilization at every level of care system (primary care, specialized outpatient care and hospital care). Nevertheless the high pattern of care utilization identified at the databases was accurate according to the experts. DISCUSSION: Detection of BPD was lower than expected in the local, regional and national databases and registries of Catalonia. Local data was judged highly inaccurate by experts in comparison to data available on other mental disorders in the same databases. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICY AND RESEARCH: Specific incentives should be implemented to improve the availability and accuracy of information on BPD at the regional databases. When present, BPD should be coded before other psychiatric disorders in clinical records and health databases. Mental health surveys and psychiatric epidemiological studies should specifically incorporate BPD in their inclusion criteria and further studies on the utilisation pattern of this disorder are needed, both locally and internationally.

Grupo motivacional en unidad hospitalaria desintoxicación, su influencia en mantenimiento de la abstinencia y retención al tratamiento tras alta / Motivational interviewing group at inpatient detoxification, its influence in maintaining abstinence and treatment retention after discharge

La tasa de recaída en el consumo al alta de una Unidad de Desintoxicación Hospitalaria es elevada. El objetivo de este estudio piloto es valorar los factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y terapéuticos asociados al mantenimiento de la abstinencia de pacientes que han participado en un grupo psicoterapéutico breve de corte motivacional durante su ingreso para la desintoxicación. Un total de 46 pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno por dependencia a sustancias, según DSM-IV, ingresados en Unidad de Desintoxicación Hospitalaria participaron en un grupo breve de corte motivacional. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, así como la motivación al cambio (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, URICA) y la satisfacción con el tratamiento grupal (Cuestionario de Percepciones de Tratamiento, CPT). El mantenimiento de la abstinencia y la retención al tratamiento, dos meses tras el alta, se evaluaron mediante llamadas telefónicas semanales. Se realizó un análisis de supervivencia. Los resultados muestran que ser varón, tener cogniciones del estadio de mantenimiento del cambio al alta y tener una buena satisfacción con la terapia grupal y su terapeuta durante el ingreso, se asocia con mayor tiempo en abstinencia tras el alta. El abordaje psicoterapéutico grupal breve de corte motivacional, en pacientes ingresados para la desintoxicación, se relaciona con mayor probabilidad de mantenimiento de abstinencia y de retención al tratamiento posterior

The relapse rate after discharge from inpatient detoxification is high. The objective of this pilot study is to assess the sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic factors associated with maintaining abstinence in patients who participated in a brief motivational interviewing group during admission for detoxification. A total of 46 patients, diagnosed substance dependent according to DSM -IV, and admitted to the Hospital Detoxification Unit, participated in a brief motivational interviewing group. Sociodemographic, clinical, motivation to change (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, (URICA) and satisfaction with the treatment group (Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire, CPT) data were collected. Abstinence and treatment retention two months after discharge were assessed by weekly telephone calls. A survival analysis was performed. Being male, having more cognitions of the maintenance stage of change at discharge, being satisfied with group therapy and therapist during hospitalization are associated with longer abstinence after discharge. The brief motivational interviewing group approach with patients admitted for detoxification is related to greater likelihood of maintaining abstinence and subsequent treatment retention

Dual diagnosis resource needs in Spain: a national survey of professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Since provision of integrated services for patients with dual pathology or dual disorders (coexistence of an addictive disorder and another mental health disorder) is an important challenge in mental health, this study assessed health care professionals' perceptions and knowledge of the current state of specific resources for patients with dual pathology in Spain. METHODS: We conducted a national survey of health care professionals seeing patients with dual pathology in treatment facilities throughout Spain. Participants completed a specific online questionnaire about the needs of and available resources for patients with dual pathology. RESULTS: A total of 659 professionals, mostly psychologists (n = 286, 43.4%) or psychiatrists (n = 217, 32.9%), participated in the study. Nearly all participants who responded to these items reported that specific resources for dual pathology were needed (n = 592/635, 93.2%); 76.7% (n = 487) identified intermediate resources, 68.8% (n = 437) acute detoxification units, and 64.6% (n = 410) medium-stay rehabilitation units as particularly necessary. In the opinion of 54.0% of respondents (n = 343), integrated mental health and addiction treatment services were available. Of the participants who answered these items, only a small proportion (n = 162/605, 26.8%) reported that there were appropriate outpatient programs for dual pathology, 30.4% (n = 184/605) specific hospitalization units, 16.9% (n = 99/587) subacute inpatient units, 34.2% (n = 201/587) outpatient intermediate resources, 15.5% (n = 91/587) day hospitals, and 21.5% (n = 126/587) day centers. Conversely, 62.5% (n = 378/587) of participants reported a greater presence of specific detoxification/withdrawal units, 47.3% (n = 286/587) psychiatric acute admission units, and 41.9% (n = 246/587) therapeutic communities. In the professionals' opinion, the presence of specialty programs was low; 11.6% of respondents (n = 68/587) reported that vocational programs and 16.7% (n = 98/587) reported that occupational rehabilitation programs were available. Employee turnover was common: 51.9% of respondents (n = 314/605) stated that employee turnover was occasional to frequent. CONCLUSIONS: According to the professionals surveyed, specific health care resources for the management of dual pathology are currently insufficient, underlining the need for additional efforts and strategies for treating individuals with comorbid disorders.

The influence of medical student gender and drug use on the detection of addiction in patients.

Little is known about medical students' interest in their training on drug addiction, their personal experience of consumption, and whether these aspects influence the detection of addiction in patients. Eighty-eight and one half percent considered that drug dependence issues are important to their professional future. The students report consuming alcohol (69%), cigarettes (19.5%), and illegal drugs (15.8%). Female students consumed fewer illegal drugs than the men (p =.022). Male students consumed more illegal drugs more frequently (p =.005), knew more consumers (p =.023), and those who drink alcohol consumed more illegal drugs than women who drink alcohol (p <.005). Drug and alcohol consumption among medical students may serve to normalize consumption and thus, may prevent the detection of addicts. It is important to educate and raise awareness about drugs and alcohol use, as this may influence detection. The focus should be particularly on the male group.

Professionals' perceptions about healthcare resources for co-occuring disorders in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Since provision of integrated services for patients with dual pathology or dual disorders (coexistence of an addictive disorder and other psychiatric disorders) constitutes an important challenge, this study compared the perceptions of health-care professionals with the existing, current state of specific resources for patients with dual pathology in Spain. METHODS: Epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study with a large, representative sample of health care professionals attending patients with dual pathology in treatment resources throughout Spain. Participants completed a specifically designed ad-hoc on-line questionnaire about their perceptions on the existence of available resources and treatment needs for patients with dual pathology. To compare professionals' perceptions with existing available resources, the same on-line questionnaire was also completed by commissioners and managers responsible for national and regional healthcare plans on drug abuse. RESULTS: A total of 659 professionals, mostly psychologists (43.40%) or psychiatrists (32.93%) agreed to participate in the study. The highest degree of concordance between the perceptions of professional and the actual situation was found regarding the existence of mental health and addiction networks (either separately or unified) (74.48%), followed by specific workshops (73.08%) and sub-acute inpatient units (67.38%), specific hospitalization units (66.26%), detoxification units (63.15%) and outpatient programs (60.73%). We detected a lower degree of agreement regarding specific occupational rehabilitation centers (59.34%) day hospitals (58.93%), day centers (57.88%), outpatient intermediate resources (48.87%), psychiatric acute admission units (46.54%) and therapeutic communities (43.77%). In addition, on average, health care professionals underestimated the number of resources present in their respective communities. CONCLUSIONS: Relevant differences exist between the perceptions of professional and existing available resources for dual pathology patients in Spain, thus supporting the need of additional efforts and strategies to establish a registry and clearly inform about available resources for patients with dual diagnosis.

Neuroticism associated with cocaine-induced psychosis in cocaine-dependent patients: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Cocaine consumption can induce transient psychotic symptoms, which has been correlated with more severe addiction and aggressive behavior. However, little is known about the nature of the relationship between personality traits and psychotic symptoms in cocaine-dependent patients. This study examined the relationship between neuroticism and cocaine-induced psychosis. METHODS: A total of 231 cocaine-dependent patients seeking treatment were recruited to the study. Personality was evaluated by the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire. Cocaine-induced psychosis questionnaire, SCID-I, and SCID-II were used to evaluate comorbidity and clinical characteristics. Data analysis was performed in three steps: descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Cocaine-induced psychosis was reported in 65.4% of the patients and some personality disorder in 46.8%. Two personality dimensions (Neuroticism-Anxiety and Aggression-Hostility) presented a significant effect on the risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms (t(229) = 2.69, p = 0.008; t(229) = 2.06, p = 0.004), and patients with psychotic symptoms showed higher scores in both variables. On the multivariate analysis, only Neuroticism remained as a significant personality factor independently associated with psychotic symptoms (Wald = 7.44, p<0.05, OR = 1.08, CI 95% 1.02-1.16) after controlling for age, gender and number of consumption substances. CONCLUSIONS: An association between high neuroticism scores and presence of psychotic symptoms induced by cocaine has been found, independently of other consumption variables. Personality dimensions should be evaluated in cocaine-dependent patients in order to detect high scores of neuroticism and warn patients about the risk of developing cocaine-induced psychotic symptoms.