Dual pathology in users of early intervention program in psychosis

Abstract

Introduction

The existence of independent services and facilities for mental health and for addictions in Andalusia stand in the way of addressing dual pathology. The strong comorbidity between substance use and early psychosis has been deeply studied in recent literature. The aim of this paper is to analyse a group of consumers in the First Episode Psychosis Program (FEP) to address the lack of the actual interventions performed.

Methods

Descriptive statistical analysis of demographic and clinical variables of a group with drug consumption (n = 17) is compared to a non-consumer group (n = 7).

Results

Our sample of patients included, consumers who represent 71% of the sample. All consumers were users of cannabis or derivatives and 35% of consumers were diagnosed at some point of Toxic psychosis. Only 23% received care in drug addiction centers. They have less education. The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is greater than in non-users and only 35% of the cases were detected in Primary Care. PANSS with higher scores. Greater differences in general psychopathology. The Social Functioning Scale (SFS) were worse in the Isolation scale. The Family Questionnaire (FQ) showed more difficulties in the family setting. Finally the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) gives an average of 8 points lower (severe symptoms).

Discussion

We would like to point out the low percentage of users who receive specialized care for their addiction. Better collaboration with Primary Care is required to improve the capacity of detection to reduce the time slot of untreated symptoms.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.