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Comorbid Schizophrenia (comorbid + schizophrenia)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Comorbid Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse: A Review of Epidemiology and Course

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 5 2006
Joseph Westermeyer MD, PhDArticle first published online: 18 FEB 2010
Over the last dozen years, our knowledge regarding comorbid schizophrenia (SCZ) and substance use disorder (SUD) has evolved in several ways. First, the rate of lifetime comorbid SCZ-SUD appears to have increased another 20,30%, so now about 70,80% of persons with SCZ have lifetime SUD. Second, early remission of SUD has become commonplace among patients with SCZ, perhaps outnumbering the number of SCZ-only patients as well as those with active SCZ-SUD. Third, sustained SUD remission is well demonstrated, though the rates may yet be low. Fourth, research on comorbid SCZ-SUD is filling out our knowledge in many areas, including the characteristics of SCZ patients at risk for SUD, reasons SCZ patients seek out substances, effects of various substances on SCZ course and symptoms, and obstacles to SUD recovery in people with SCZ. The influence of SUD treatment and self-help on epidemiology and course has not been adequately evaluated. Primary prevention and early treatment of SUD in SCZ patients are still relatively neglected, though they offer our greatest hope for enhancing the lives of people with SCZ and improving the cost efficacy of care. [source]

Comparison of four groups of substance-abusing in-patients with different psychiatric comorbidity

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2001
J. Hättenschwiler
Objective: ,Comparisons of different groups of dual patients are rare, yet potential differences could have therapeutic implications. In this study, four groups of psychiatric in-patients with substance use disorder were compared to each other: patients with no psychiatric comorbidity, patients with comorbid schizophrenia and patients with affective and personality disorder. Method: ,Apart from sociodemographic, therapy-related variables and a detailed survey of their substance use, all subjects were assessed with BPRS and SCL-90-R. Results: ,No differences were found in the patients' demography, psychosocial adjustment and substance consumption career. Significant differences were found in regard to some therapy variables reflecting adherence to treatment and global outcome and to the level of psychopathology. Conclusion: ,Both substance use and comorbid psychiatric disorder have a variable impact on distinct areas of patients' general condition and functioning. The group with comorbid affective disorder appeared to be the most difficult to treat and the therapeutic approach to this disorder deserves reconsideration. [source]

Comorbid Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse: A Review of Epidemiology and Course

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 5 2006
Joseph Westermeyer MD, PhDArticle first published online: 18 FEB 2010
Over the last dozen years, our knowledge regarding comorbid schizophrenia (SCZ) and substance use disorder (SUD) has evolved in several ways. First, the rate of lifetime comorbid SCZ-SUD appears to have increased another 20,30%, so now about 70,80% of persons with SCZ have lifetime SUD. Second, early remission of SUD has become commonplace among patients with SCZ, perhaps outnumbering the number of SCZ-only patients as well as those with active SCZ-SUD. Third, sustained SUD remission is well demonstrated, though the rates may yet be low. Fourth, research on comorbid SCZ-SUD is filling out our knowledge in many areas, including the characteristics of SCZ patients at risk for SUD, reasons SCZ patients seek out substances, effects of various substances on SCZ course and symptoms, and obstacles to SUD recovery in people with SCZ. The influence of SUD treatment and self-help on epidemiology and course has not been adequately evaluated. Primary prevention and early treatment of SUD in SCZ patients are still relatively neglected, though they offer our greatest hope for enhancing the lives of people with SCZ and improving the cost efficacy of care. [source]

Brief Integrated Outpatient Dual-diagnosis Treatment Reduces Psychiatric Hospitalizations

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 4 2003
Eric Granholm Ph.D.
A retrospective pilot study was conducted to determine whether a relatively brief integrated outpatient treatment for patients with dual disorders reduced inpatient hospital service utilization. Outpatients (n = 44) with substance dependence and either comorbid schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder were studied. A multidisciplinary team provided relatively brief (up to 24 weeks), integrated, dual-diagnosis outpatient treatment. A significant 60% reduction in the number of psychiatric hospitalization days was found for the year after treatment as compared to the year before. Patients with schizophrenia showed the greatest reduction (74%) in hospitalization days. Thus, even brief integrated outpatient dual-diagnosis treatment can reduce inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations. [source]