Sociodemographic and psychopatology features of outpatients dual diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction

Dual diagnosis patients are characterized by low rates of adherence and treatment compliance. During last years new resources have dedicated to these patients where substance use and mental disorder are treated simultaneously.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe sociodemographic and psychopatology features of dual diagnosis outpatient.

Methods

All subjects in the study were outpatients at dual diagnosis program at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain during 2007 to 2008. These patients were following up until December 2009. Sociodemographic data, psychiatric diagnosis and substance abuse were assessed by using EuropASI, SCID-I y SCID-II and by reviewing their medical histories.

Results

A total of 90 patients were recruited for this study during 2007–2008 and were followed one year. 62,5% of them remain until the end of the treatment. 67,9% were men, medium age was 37 years old (± 1.4). Most of them live with their own families (57,1%) and their marital status was single (48,2%). In this sample the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis was Major Depressive Disorder (36,4%) followed by Psychotic Disorder (36,2%). The most abused substance was cocaine (33,9%) followed by cannabis (26,8%), alcohol (16,1%), heroin (17,9%). More of 60% were polydrug.

Conclusions

The patients who maintained inculcation with the outpatient program of dual diagnosis were men with medium level of academic level and good family and social environment.