Anxiety disorders and substance abuse

Abstract

Introduction

Patients with anxiety disorders are more vulnerable to develop other comorbid conditions. In particular, large epidemiological studies show a strong association between different anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

Objectives

To show the prevalence of major anxiety disorders and the consumption of different substances. As well as the particular characteristics of this dual diagnosis and treatments that have proven more effective.

Methods

Exhaustive review of all the material published on this topic in the recent years.

Conclusions

Nearly 24% of patients with anxiety disorder suffer from a comorbid substance disorder use in their lifetime (17.9% diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence diagnosis and 11.9% of abuse or dependence on other drugs). Dual patients show a number of distinctive features, such as more frequency in males, family history of alcohol or other substances abuse and behavioral problems, early parental loss among others.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.