Journal
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
Volume 39, Issue 1, Pages 69-72Publisher
DR DIETRICH STEINKOPFF VERLAG
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-004-0713-0
Keywords
psychosis; first episode; substance misuse; cannabis; schizophrenia; alcohol
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background Substance misuse is a significant problem in schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of substance misuse in individuals with a first episode of psychosis at the time they first present for treatment. Method The first 357 consecutive admissions to a comprehensive early psychosis program were included. Assessment measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, the Quality of Life Scale, the Case Manager Rating Scale and the Premorbid Adjustment Scale. Results Forty-four percent of the sample, the majority of whom used alcohol or cannabis, met diagnostic criteria for substance abuse/dependence. The prevalence was significantly higher than in the general population. Substance misuse was significantly associated with male gender, young age and age of onset. Conclusions This study confirms the high rates of substance misuse, in particular cannabis, in first-episode psychosis. Implications for treatment are addressed.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available