Questioning the specificity of ASRS-v1.1 to accurately detect ADHD in substance abusing populations.

Objective: To assess the specificity of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) in detecting ADHD among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Method: A chart review of 183 SUD patients was conducted.

Could the use of energy drinks induce manic or depressive relapse among abstinent substance use disorder patients with comorbid bipolar spectrum disorder?

Objective:   The potential harmful effects of excessive caffeine consumption remain largely unknown among psychiatric populations. Energy drinks have particularly high levels of caffeine content and have previously been shown to induce psychotic relapse. Clinical observations of three bipolar disorder patients with comorbid substance use disorder revealed an excessive consumption of energy drinks prior to manic or depressive relapse.

Is the Mood Disorder Questionnaire an appropriate screening tool in detecting bipolar spectrum disorder among substance use populations?

Background: Bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD) has been shown to be difficult to assess in general and is further complicated by the presence of substance use disorder (SUD).

Objective: To review the specificity of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in detecting BSD among substance abusers.

Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted using 183 SUD patients who were screened using the MDQ and later assessed by a psychiatrist specializing in BSD.