Adictividad: una dimensión independiente en el síndrome psicótico. Presentación de la Escala de Evaluación de la Adictividad en el Síndrome Psicótico (EASP) / Addictiveness: an independent dimension in the psychotic syndrome. Presentation of the Addictiveness in the Psychotic Syndrome Assessment Scale (APSAS)

Los modelos de patología dual suelen considerar a los trastornos por uso de sustancias (TUS) y al resto de trastornos mentales como dos entidades nosológicas que coinciden en una misma persona. Este estudio adopta un punto de partida diferente y estima que la adictividad sería una novena dimensión clínica independiente en los trastornos psicóticos, que se añadiría a las de alucinaciones, delirio, habla desorganizada, conducta psicomotriz anormal, síntomas negativos, déficit cognitivo, depresión y manía. Todas ellas derivarían, en último término, de una disfunción fronto-subcortical común con implicación dopaminérgica, glutamatérgica y gabaérgica. Se presenta la Escala de Evaluación de la Adictividad en el Síndrome Psicótico (EASP), que busca ser un instrumento integrado y sencillo para la evaluación de la adictividad en los trastornos psicóticos. Se basa en la recogida de datos sobre el primer uso, el tiempo de consumo, el último consumo, la frecuencia de consumo y la intensidad de la adicción de doce tipos de sustancias o conductas adictivas. Los resultados de la aplicación de la EASP a una muestra de 105 sujetos psicóticos sugieren unas buenas características psicométricas, así como la independencia de la adictividad respecto a otras dimensiones clínicas. (AU)

Models of dual pathology habitually consider substance-use disorders (SUD) and the rest of mental disorders as two pathological conditions coincident in a same person. This study adopts a different point of view and accept adictivity as the nineth clinical dimension in the psychotic disorders to be added to hallucinations, delusion, disorganised speech, abnormal psychomotor behaviour, negative symptoms, cognitive deficit, depression, and mania. In the last term, all of them seems to derive from a common fronto-subcortical disfunction with dopaminergic, glutamatergic and gabaergic implication. The Addictiveness in the Psychotic Syndrome Assessment Scale (APSAS) is presented. It wants to be an integrated and easy to use tool for evaluating adictivity in the psychotic disorders. It is based in data collected with respect of first use, length of use, last use, frequency of use and addiction intensity regarding twelve types of substances or addictive behaviours. Results of the application of APSAS on a sample of 105 psychotic subjects suggest good psychometric characteristics as well as the independency of adictivity respect with other clinical dimensions. (AU)

Addictiveness: an independent dimension in the psychotic syndrome. Presentation of the Addictiveness in the Psychotic Syndrome Assessment Scale (APSAS) / Adictividad: una dimensión independiente en el síndrome psicótico. Presentación de la Escala de Evaluación de la Adictividad en el Síndrome Psicótico (EASP)

Models of dual pathology habitually consider substance-use disorders (SUD) and the rest of mental disorders as two pathological conditions coincident in a same person. This study adopts a different point of view and accept adictivity as the nineth clinical dimension in the psychotic disorders to be added to hallucinations, delusion, disorganised speech, abnormal psychomotor behaviour, negative symptoms, cognitive deficit, depression, and mania. In the last term, all of them seems to derive from a common fronto-subcortical disfunction with dopaminergic, glutamatergic and gabaergic implication. The Addictiveness in the Psychotic Syndrome Assessment Scale (APSAS) is presented. It wants to be an integrated and easy to use tool for evaluating adictivity in the psychotic disorders. It is based in data collected with respect of first use, length of use, last use, frequency of use and addiction intensity regarding twelve types of substances or addictive behaviours. Results of the application of APSAS on a sample of 105 psychotic subjects suggest good psychometric characteristics as well as the independency of adictivity respect with other clinical dimensions. (AU)

Los modelos de patología dual suelen considerar a los trastornos por uso de sustancias (TUS) y al resto de trastornos mentales como dos entidades nosológicas que coinciden en una misma persona. Este estudio adopta un punto de partida diferente y estima que la adictividad sería una novena dimensión clínica independiente en los trastornos psicóticos, que se añadiría a las de alucinaciones, delirio, habla desorganizada, conducta psicomotriz anormal, síntomas negativos, déficit cognitivo, depresión y manía. Todas ellas derivarían, en último término, de una disfunción fronto-subcortical común con implicación dopaminérgica, glutamatérgica y gabaérgica. Se presenta la Escala de Evaluación de la Adictividad en el Síndrome Psicótico (EASP), que busca ser un instrumento integrado y sencillo para la evaluación de la adictividad en los trastornos psicóticos. Se basa en la recogida de datos sobre el primer uso, el tiempo de consumo, el último consumo, la frecuencia de consumo y la intensidad de la adicción de doce tipos de sustancias o conductas adictivas. Los resultados de la aplicación de la EASP a una muestra de 105 sujetos psicóticos sugieren unas buenas características psicométricas, así como la independencia de la adictividad respecto a otras dimensiones clínicas. (AU)

Patología dual en personas sin hogar en el Área de Salud de Avilés / Dual pathology in homeless people in the Avilés Health Area

El objetivo principal del presente estudio es estimar la prevalencia de trastornos mentales graves y de uso de sustancias en personas en la situación de estar sin hogar. El trabajo se realizó a partir de los datos obtenidos de una muestra representativa de personas sin hogar en Avilés (Asturias) (n=100) utilizando la Entrevista Neuropsiquiátrica Internacional (M.I.N.I.). Los resultados de nuestro estudio ponen de manifiesto una estrecha relación entre el uso de sustancias y el sinhogarismo. Más de la mitad de las personas sin hogar tiene trastornos relacionados con el uso de sustancias en comparación con el uso problemático de sustancias en la población general. Se discute la atención psicosocial y la organización de una red de apoyo a las personas sin hogar. (AU)

The main objective of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of severe mental disorders and substance use in the homeless situation. The work was carried out from the data obtained from a representative sample of homeless people in Avilés (Asturias) (n = 100) using the International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). The results of our study reveal a close relationship between substance use and homelessness. More than half of the homeless have substance use disorders compared to problem substance use in the general population. Psychosocial care and the organization of a support network for the homeless are discussed. (AU)

Dual pathology in homeless people in the Avilés Health Area / Patología dual en personas sin hogar en el Área de Salud de Avilés

The main objective of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of severe mental disorders and substance use in the homeless situation. The work was carried out from the data obtained from a representative sample of homeless people in Avilés (Asturias) (n = 100) using the International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). The results of our study reveal a close relationship between substance use and homelessness. More than half of the homeless have substance use disorders compared to problem substance use in the general population. Psychosocial care and the organization of a support network for the homeless are discussed. (AU)

El objetivo principal del presente estudio es estimar la prevalencia de trastornos mentales graves y de uso de sustancias en personas en la situación de estar sin hogar. El trabajo se realizó a partir de los datos obtenidos de una muestra representativa de personas sin hogar en Avilés (Asturias) (n=100) utilizando la Entrevista Neuropsiquiátrica Internacional (M.I.N.I.). Los resultados de nuestro estudio ponen de manifiesto una estrecha relación entre el uso de sustancias y el sinhogarismo. Más de la mitad de las personas sin hogar tiene trastornos relacionados con el uso de sustancias en comparación con el uso problemático de sustancias en la población general. Se discute la atención psicosocial y la organización de una red de apoyo a las personas sin hogar. (AU)

Rehabilitación psicosocial e intervención familiar en personas con trastorno dual / Psychosocial rehabilitation and family intervention for people with dual disorders

En el trastorno dual confluyen dos trastornos graves y crónicos que aún hoy son un desafío a las redes de atención sanitaria y social. En ese contexto las familias desempeñan un papel importante en el mantenimiento de estas personas en la comunidad. El trastorno dual se asocia con una serie de efectos negativos sobre el entorno familiar, con mayor carga de cuidados y conflictos. Para este artículo, se han revisado cuatro modelos de intervención familiar en el trastorno dual. Conclusiones. La intervención familiar ha demostrado ser un importante elemento del tratamiento del trastorno dual. Los cuatro programas de intervención presentados coinciden en unos componentes comunes: intervención uni/multi familiar, bases teóricas de los modelos de probada eficacia, psicoeducación, entrenamiento en comunicación, resolución de problemas y la entrevista motivacional transversal a todo el programa. Aun así persisten áreas que no mejoran y los resultados no son concluyentes, por lo que es necesario seguir buscando fórmulas que apunten hacia recursos terapéuticos más flexibles según las necesidades y circunstancias de cada una de estas personas. (AU)

In dual disorder, two serious and chronic disorders converge that are still a challenge to health and social care networks. In this context, families play an important role in keeping these people included in the community. Dual disorder is associated with a series of negative effects on the family environment, with a greater burden of care and conflict. For this article, four models of family intervention in dual disorder have been reviewed. Conclusions. Family intervention has proven to be an important element of dual disorder treatment. The four intervention programs presented coincide in share some common components: single / multi-family intervention, theoretical bases of the models of with proven efficacy, psychoeducation, communication training, problem solving, and the motivational interview across the entire program. Even so, some areas still persist without improvements and areas that do not improve persist and the results are not conclusive, so it is necessary to continue looking for formulas that point towards more flexible therapeutic resources according to the needs and circumstances of each of these people. (AU)

Psychosocial rehabilitation and family intervention for people with dual disorders / Rehabilitación psicosocial e intervención familiar en personas con trastorno dual

In dual disorder, two serious and chronic disorders converge that are still a challenge to health and social care networks. In this context, families play an important role in keeping these people included in the community. Dual disorder is associated with a series of negative effects on the family environment, with a greater burden of care and conflict. For this article, four models of family intervention in dual disorder have been reviewed. Conclusions. Family intervention has proven to be an important element of dual disorder treatment. The four intervention programs presented coincide in share some common components: single / multi-family intervention, theoretical bases of the models of with proven efficacy, psychoeducation, communication training, problem solving, and the motivational interview across the entire program. Even so, some areas still persist without improvements and areas that do not improve persist and the results are not conclusive, so it is necessary to continue looking for formulas that point towards more flexible therapeutic resources according to the needs and circumstances of each of these people. (AU)

En el trastorno dual confluyen dos trastornos graves y crónicos que aún hoy son un desafío a las redes de atención sanitaria y social. En ese contexto las familias desempeñan un papel importante en el mantenimiento de estas personas en la comunidad. El trastorno dual se asocia con una serie de efectos negativos sobre el entorno familiar, con mayor carga de cuidados y conflictos. Para este artículo, se han revisado cuatro modelos de intervención familiar en el trastorno dual. Conclusiones. La intervención familiar ha demostrado ser un importante elemento del tratamiento del trastorno dual. Los cuatro programas de intervención presentados coinciden en unos componentes comunes: intervención uni/multi familiar, bases teóricas de los modelos de probada eficacia, psicoeducación, entrenamiento en comunicación, resolución de problemas y la entrevista motivacional transversal a todo el programa. Aun así persisten áreas que no mejoran y los resultados no son concluyentes, por lo que es necesario seguir buscando fórmulas que apunten hacia recursos terapéuticos más flexibles según las necesidades y circunstancias de cada una de estas personas. (AU)

Dual mental health diagnoses predict the receipt of medication-assisted opioid treatment: Associations moderated by state Medicaid expansion status, race/ethnicity and gender, and year.

BACKGROUND: Mental health diagnoses (MHD) are common among those with opioid use disorders (OUD). Methadone/buprenorphine are effective medication-assisted treatment (MAT) strategies; however, treatment receipt is low among those with dual MHDs. Medicaid expansions have broadly increased access to OUD and mental health services over time, but MAT uptake may vary depending on multiple factors, including MHD status, state Medicaid expansion decisions, and race/ethnicity and gender. Examining clinical and policy approaches to promoting MAT uptake may improve services among marginalized groups. METHODS: MAT treatment discharges were identified using the Treatment Episodes Dataset-Discharges (TEDS-D; 2014-2017) (n = 1,400,808). We used multivariate logistic regression to model MAT receipt using interactions and adjusted for several potential confounders. RESULTS: Nearly one-third of OUD treatment discharges received MAT. Dual MHDs in both expansion and non-expansion states were positively associated with MAT uptake over time. Dual MHDs were negatively associated with MAT receipt only among American Indian/Alaska Native women residing in Medicaid expansion states (aOR = 0.58, 95 % CI = 0.52-0.66, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Disparities in MAT utilization are nuanced and vary widely depending on dual MHD status, Medicaid expansion, and race/ethnicity/gender. Medicaid is beneficial but not a universal treatment panacea. Clinical decisions to initiate MAT are dependent on multiple factors and should be tailored to meet the needs of high-risk, historically disadvantaged clients.

Mental health problems among clients with substance use problems: a nationwide time-trend study.

PURPOSE: Mental health and substance use disorders are notable contributors to the global total burden of disease. On a population level, co-occurring mental health and substance use problems are estimated to account for 2-4%. In clinical samples, estimate is even higher. The aim of this study was to examine changes in recognized mental health problems (MHPs) and in the substance use profiles among clients with substance use problems in Finland. METHODS: Data concerning individuals with substance use entering Finnish social and health care services during 1 day were collected nationwide at three time-points in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Cross-tabulations and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Co-occurring MHPs and substance use problems were common: 56-60% of the clients with substance use problems were reported to have had MHPs between the years 2007 and 2015. The proportion of MHPs remained rather stable among them. Substance use profiles have changed: the proportion of illicit drug use among those who had MHPs has increased in health care services, social services, and substance use problem services. CONCLUSION: Co-occurring substance use and MHPs among clients with substance use problems are common, and substance use profile is shifting from using alcohol only towards illicit drug use. This may even bring along more challenges for the treatment system and should be considered in future service planning.

Prediction of psychiatric comorbidity on premature death in a cohort of patients with substance use disorders: a 42-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: We need to better understand how the use of different substances and psychiatric comorbidity influence premature death generally and cause-specific death by overdose, intoxication and somatic disorders in people with substance use disorders. METHOD: A cohort of 1405 patients consecutively admitted to a Swedish detoxification unit for substance use disorders in 1970-1995 was followed-up for 42 years. Substances were identified by toxicological analyses. Mortality figures were obtained from a national registry. Causes of death were diagnosed by forensic autopsy in 594 patients deceased by 2012. Predictions were calculated by competing risks analysis. RESULTS: Forty-two per cent of the cohort died during follow-up; more men than women (46.3% vs 30.4%). The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated as the ratio of observed deaths in males and females in specific age groups in the cohort versus expected deaths in corresponding groups in the general population. SMR was 5.68 for men (CI 95%; 5.04-6.11) and 4.98 (CI 95%; 4.08-5.88) for women. The crude mortality rate (number of deaths divided by number of person observation years) was 2.28% for men and 1.87% for women. Opiates predicted increased risk of premature death while amphetamine and cannabis predicted lower risk. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were identified in 378 cases and personality disorders in 763 cases. Primary psychoses or mood/depression and anxiety disorders predicted a higher risk of premature mortality. Death by overdose was predicted by male gender, younger age at admission to substance treatment, opiate use, and comorbid depression and anxiety syndromes. Cannabis and amphetamine use predicted a lower risk of overdose. Death by intoxication was predicted by male gender, use of sedatives/hypnotics or alcohol/mixed substances, primary psychoses and depression/anxiety syndromes. Premature death by somatic disorder was predicted by male gender and alcohol/mixed abuse. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric comorbid disorders were important risk factors for premature drug-related death. Early identification of these factors may be life-saving in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders.

Standardized drug and alcohol questions at admission to an acute adult mental health unit: clarifying the burden of dual diagnoses across a five-year period.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report substance use across a five-year period in individuals admitted to an acute mental health unit, utilizing data from a routine clinical measure, diagnoses, and findings related to gender, ethnicity and the implementation of a new dual-diagnosis policy. METHODS: Data was extracted from the electronic records of 2118 individuals who had consecutive admissions to the acute inpatient unit. Analysis focused on demographic and diagnosis variables and the drug and alcohol question in the Health of the Nations Outcome Scale. RESULTS: Some 57.6% of the sample was in the at-risk drug and alcohol category. Male and indigenous inpatients were most at risk. More than 50% of patients with schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders were deemed at-risk. Following implementation of the dual-diagnosis policy, recorded primary and secondary substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: The study replicated previous findings of a high proportion of patients with co-morbid drug and alcohol use. In this sample it seems likely that the dual-diagnosis policy and related activities increased the rate of SUD diagnoses recorded, although it is likely to still be under-reported.

Dual diagnosis of epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Systematic review and meta-analysis of frequency, correlates, and outcomes.

Comorbid epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent a serious challenge for the clinicians. However, the frequency, associations, and outcomes of dual diagnosis of epilepsy and PNES are unclear. The aim of the review was to determine the frequency, correlates, and outcomes of a dual diagnosis. A systematic review of all published observational studies (from inception to Dec. 2016) was conducted to determine the frequency, correlates, and outcomes of dual diagnosis. We included studies of individuals of any age reporting a dual diagnosis of epilepsy and PNES. All observational study designs were included with the exception of case reports and case series with fewer than 10 participants. The mean frequency of epilepsy in patients with PNES across all studies was 22% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 20 to 25%, range: 0% to 90%) while the mean frequency of PNES in patients with epilepsy was 12% (95% CI 10 to 14%, range: 1% to 62%). High heterogeneity means that these pooled estimates should be viewed with caution. A number of correlates of dual diagnosis were reported. Some studies delineated differences in semiology of seizures in patients with dual diagnosis vs. PNES or epilepsy only. However, most of the correlates were inconclusive. Only a few studies examined outcome in patients with dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is common in clinical practice, especially among patients referred to specialized services, and requires careful diagnosis and management.

Addiction Vulnerability: Exploring Relationships Among Cigarette Smoking, Substance Misuse, and Early Psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: Smoking rates in adolescents at risk for psychosis are significantly greater than in those who are not at risk. Recent research suggests that cigarette smoking in adolescence may be a potential marker of transition to psychosis, although the exact relationship between the two remains unclear. Our aim was to examine whether tobacco smoking is a potential marker of transition to psychosis or subsequent episodes of psychosis, independently of other substance use, or alternatively whether smoking is essentially a general marker of later mental illness episodes. METHODS: This substudy was conducted as part of an audit of a specialized early psychosis community mental health service, the Psychological Assistance Service (PAS). A multilayered audit over 10 years (January 1997 to December 2007) of PAS presentations was conducted (N = 1997), which documented baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and subsequent illness episodes and service usage. Among clients with baseline smoking status information (n = 421, mean age = 18.3 years), this study examined predictors of transition to or subsequent episodes of psychosis, substance misuse, and affective disorder. RESULTS: A recent psychosis episode at baseline and receiving ongoing treatment from PAS predicted transition to or subsequent psychosis episodes; however, baseline ultra-high-risk status was not predictive. In addition, baseline smoking/substance misuse status was a significant predictor, with smokers being twice as likely to experience a subsequent episode of psychosis, even after controlling for other baseline comorbidity. Baseline smoking status also independently predicted subsequent substance misuse episodes, but not subsequent affective disorder. Among clients experiencing post-PAS comorbid substance misuse and psychosis, the majority (80.3%) reported smoking at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking status at service presentation appeared to function as a general proxy for addiction vulnerability among young help seekers and thereby as a potential marker for the development of severe mental illness (including psychosis) and associated health problems. Routine evaluations of presenting problems need to incorporate comprehensive assessments of early substance misuse and tobacco smoking. Adjunctive lifestyle interventions promoting smoking cessation, physical health, and well-being need to be offered in conjunction with conventional mental health interventions tailored to key presenting problems, recovery, and psychological strengthening.

A systematic review of the prevalence of comorbid mental health disorders in people presenting for substance use treatment in Australia.

ISSUES: The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of the prevalence of comorbid mental health conditions in people accessing treatment for substance use in Australia. APPROACH: A systematic review identified studies meeting the following eligibility criteria: reporting original data published in English; sample presenting for substance use treatment in Australia; assessing the prevalence of mental health and substance use conditions and reporting the percentage of participants with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. A narrative analysis was conducted because of the heterogeneity of methods used to assess key outcome variables and small number of studies assessing particular mental health outcomes. The abstracts of 1173 records were screened, and 59 full articles were assessed for eligibility. Eighteen studies were included in the review. KEY FINDINGS: Prevalence estimates of current mental disorders in substance use treatment clients varied (47 to 100%). Mood and anxiety disorders were particularly prevalent, with the prevalence of current depression ranging from 27 to 85% and current generalised anxiety disorder ranging from 1 to 75%. IMPLICATIONS: The high prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in substance use treatment settings indicates a need for clinicians to screen and assess for these disorders as part of routine clinical care, and be familiar with evidence-based management and treatment strategies. CONCLUSION: Although further studies are required to determine the prevalence of the full range of mental health disorders in this population, these findings emphasise the high prevalence of comorbid mental disorders are among individuals accessing substance use treatment in Australia. [Kingston REF, Marel C, Mills KL. A systematic review of the prevalence of comorbid mental health disorders in people presenting for substance use treatment in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:527-539].

Patología dual: una perspectiva europea / Dual diagnosis: an European perspective

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¿Por qué la necesidad de una Guía de Práctica Clínica de Patología Dual? Análisis de la evidencia / Why a Dual Pathology Clinical Guideline? Analysis of the evidence

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Outcome of patients with dual diagnosis in secondary psychiatric care.

BACKGROUND: Dual diagnosis (DD) is a common co-morbidity of mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD) and patients with DD are prone to complications. Better knowledge on the outcome, mortality and management of patients with DD in usual secondary psychiatric care would help to inform improved treatment strategies in the future. AIMS: To explore the functional outcome and mortality of patients with DD receiving psychiatric treatment. To assess the recognition of substance use disorders (SUDs) in terms of diagnosis, and the associations of clinically diagnosed SUDs with treatment-related variables. METHODS: The sample of 330 patients was collected by screening all currently treated patients with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and a question about other substances used. The inclusion criteria were AUDIT >7 and/or reported use of other substances during the preceding 12 months. The Global Assessment of Functioning scale was used to assess functional outcomes during a 2-year follow-up. Information concerning treatment and patient characteristics was collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Level of functioning remained stable among all study patients during follow-up. The mortality rate was not increased. Effective medication use was associated with improved functional outcomes. SUDs were underdiagnosed. A clinically diagnosed SUD seemed to have an impact on the regularity of appointments and the doses of prescribed medications. CONCLUSIONS: Given our results suggesting a stable level of functioning, patients with DD appear to be well managed within secondary psychiatric care. Attention should be paid to more precise diagnostics of SUDs and to effective use of medication.

Tabaquismo y patología psiquiátrica asociada. Revisión de casos en un Centro de Tratamiento Ambulatorio de Adicciones / Smoking and associated psychiatric condition. Review of cases in an outpatient Addiction Treatment Center

En las últimas décadas, los estudios epidemiológicos han encontrado una clara asociación entre el consumo de nicotina y enfermedad mental. La presencia de comorbilidad psiquiátrica en los fumadores supone un dato de gran relevancia, tanto para su tratamiento como para el desarrollo de programas preventivos. A lo largo de los años, esta relevancia será mayor en tanto en cuanto vaya disminuyendo el número de fumadores en la población general. En el siguiente trabajo, se ha pretendido evaluar el porcentaje de pacientes con psicopatología asociada que acuden a un Centro de Tratamiento Ambulatorio de Adicciones con el objetivo de tratar su adicción a la nicotina (AU)

In recent decades, the epidemiological studies have found a clear association between nicotine consumption and mental disease. The presence of psychiatric comorbidity in smokers is very relevant for both its treatments as well as the development of preventive programs. Over the years, this relevance will become greater as the number of smokers decreases in the general population. This work has aimed to evaluate the percentage of patients with associated psychopathology who come to an Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center in order to treat their nicotine addiction (AU)

Trends in dual diagnosis of severe mental illness and substance use disorders, 1996-2010, Israel.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To examine the trends in the incidence of dual diagnosis (DD) of severe mental illness and substance-related disorders among inpatients in Israel, and (2) the demographic and clinical correlates of DD patients. METHOD: Using data from the National Psychiatric Case Register, we identified 56,774 inpatients aged 15-64 whose first psychiatric hospitalization occurred between 1996 and 2010. We compared the characteristics of inpatients having DD with drugs, alcohol or drug/alcohol abuse with those with mental disorder only. RESULTS: Over the period, DD with drugs decreased from 8.2% in 1996 to 6% in 2010; DD with alcohol increased from 3% to 4% and DD with drugs/alcohol from 2% to 4%. DD with drugs was highest, whereas DD with alcohol was lowest for the youngest age- group in 1996 but increased to the same as other age-groups in 2006-2010. Male gender, a previous suicide attempt, compulsory hospitalizations and marital status were positive predictors for all DD. Immigrant status was a positive predictor of DD with alcohol, but the opposite for DD with drugs; being Jewish and psychotic diagnosis was a positive predictor of DD with drugs, but negative for DD with alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period, DD with drugs has decreased among young patients, although it is still higher than among older groups. However, DD with alcohol or drugs/alcohol has increased in the younger group. The clinical-demographic profile of DD patients was similar to that from the relevant literature, except for immigrant status that was negatively associated with DD with drugs.