Substance use and schizophrenia: adverse correlates in the CATIE study sample.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between severity of illicit substance use at the time of study entry in a sample of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 18-month longitudinal outcomes, including psychopathology, depression, neurocognition, and quality of life.

Methods: Subjects in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (N=1432) were divided into three groups according to baseline data: (1) those with moderate/severe drug use, (2) those with mild drug use, and (3) non-users of illicit substances. The groups were compared on other baseline characteristics.

Dual Diagnosis in an Aging Population: Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders, Comorbid Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Service Utilization in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Objective: In the context of an aging baby boom cohort with higher rates of substance use disorders than previous cohorts, the abuse of substances and dual diagnosis represent growing areas of concern among older adults. The aims of this study were to determine the current treated prevalence of major psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis across multiple age groups in a national sample of mental health patients and to examine associated service utilization.

Methods: Using administrative data from specialty mental health clinics in the Department of Veterans Affairs (N = 911,725), treated prevalence of major psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis across multiple age groups were determined over a 1-year interval (FY 2009).