High Rates of Multimorbidity Revealed

There is a large body of research available about the prevalence and impact of people who experience both a mental disorder and substance use disorder, a condition referred to as co-morbidity or concurrent disorder.   However, there is little discussion of the prevalence and impact of multiple mental disorders combined with multiple substance use disorders, multi-morbidity.

In a recent paper, CAMH scientists sought to fill this information gap. They conducted a study that looked at the rates of clusters of psychiatric symptoms among clients with a substance use disorder. 

All study participants were attending an outpatient addiction treatment program.  Using a standardized test, each study participant was screened for the presence of specific psychiatric symptoms.  These symptoms were grouped in clusters such as depression, anxiety or conduct disorder.

The data showed that approximately 70% of all clients screened positive for at least one cluster of psychiatric symptoms.  Of this group, 27% screened positive for one, 19% screened positive for two, and 22% screened positive for three or more clusters. 

Also, those clients with more substance use disorders presented with more psychiatric symptom clusters.  Among clients with symptoms of a least one cluster of psychiatric symptoms, approximately 28% presented with two, and 12% presented with three problem substances.

Results also showed that multi-morbidity was significantly associated with female gender, unemployment, lower social support, cannabis-related problems, fewer legal problems and increased treatment engagement. 

Current treatment approaches for co-morbidity do not appropriately address the complexity of multiple disorders and associated problems. The results of this study point to the need for policy makers, program administrators and clinicians to plan appropriate and more integrated approaches to substance abuse and mental health treatment and support.

Click Overlap of Clusters of Psychiatric Symptoms Among Clients of a Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Service to view a copy of this paper.

 

 

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