Comorbid non-alcohol substance misuse among people with schizophrenia

Abstract

Epidemiological study in central LondonPETER J. DUKE, MRCPsychCHRISTOS PANTELIS, MRCPsychMICHAEL A. McPHILLIPS, MRCPsychTHOMAS R. E. BARNES, FRCPsychSt Charles' Hospital, London, UKCognitive Neuropsychiatry Research & Academic Unit. The University ofMelbourne and Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, AustraliaBrent, Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster Substance Misuse Service,London, UKDivision of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Imperial CollegeSchool of Medicine, London, UKProfessor Thomas R. E. Barnes, Imperial College School of Medicine, AcademicCentre, Ealing Hospital, St Bernard's Wing, Ealing, Middlesex UBI 3EU,UKDeclaration of interest Grant from North Thames Regional HealthAuthority.AbstractBackground Few epidemiological studies have assessed the extent andnature of comorbid non-alcohol substance misuse in people with schizophreniain the community in the UK.Aims To study the extent and nature of comorbid non-alcoholsubstance misuse in people with schizophrenia in central London.Method Subjects were identified in an epidemiological census surveyof South Westminster. Standardised assessment of each subject includeddemographic data, ratings of mental state and movement disorder andquestioning about drug and alcohol misuse.Results Individuals with schizophrenia or related psychoses wereidentified (n=352) and 57 (16%) reported a lifetime history ofnon-alcohol substance misuse. Age and gender were the main variables relevantto the extent and pattern of misuse. Self-reported non-alcohol substancemisuse showed no significant relationship with a range of outcomemeasures.Conclusions The high proportion of subjects reporting non-alcoholsubstance misuse is comparable with figures from the USA. The reports oflifetime misuse most commonly referred to cannabis, psychostimulants, LSD,opiates and anticholinergics. Misuse was concentrated in those younger than 36years and was reported more often by males.© 2001 Royal College of Psychiatrists