CURRENT SUBSTANCE USE AMONG PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

Background-Little is known about the relationship between substance use and the onset of psychiatric disorders, and studies examining this relationship have been inconclusive. The goal of the current study was to present and discuss data concerning substance use among patients with mental disorders in Iran. Methods-A sample of 205 psychiatric patients (70 women, 135 men; mean age, 35 years [SD = 10.4, range, 16–69]). was randomly chosen. The subjects, who had schizophrenia or mood disorders, were evaluated by interview using a confidential questionnaire. Results-Of the participants, 76% of the men and 34% of the women admitted to substance use at any time: cigarettes (men 74%, women 31.4%), opioids (men 31.9%, women 4.3%), alcohol (men 23.7%, women 3.4%), hashish (men 8.9%, women 0%), marijuana (men 3.7%, women 0%), and cocaine or LSD (0%). Only 27% of the women and 63% of the men reported still using a substance regularly (some reported using more than one). Of those, 61.8% of the schizophrenics, 20% of those with unipolar depression, and 37.5% of bipolar patients reported current use. The reasons for substance use in order of frequency were, for men: 1) release of tension; 2) pleasure seeking; and 3) need (to avoid withdrawal symptoms). For women, they were: 1) habit; 2) pleasure seeking; and 3) need. Conclusion-Substance use should be a major focus of risk assessment for psychiatric settings. These findings can be considered for therapeutic and preventive programs for substance users among psychiatric patients.