Substance abuse and psychosocial impairments among clients with schizophrenia

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2007 Oct;77(4):610-5. doi: 10.1037/0002-9432.77.4.610.

Abstract

Substance abuse is one of the most common comorbid conditions among clients with schizophrenia. This study assessed correlates of current substance abuse severity not evaluated in past research (e.g., manic symptoms, traumatic stress, self-care deficits, interpersonal relationship problems), as well as factors previously shown to be associated with substance abuse among clients with schizophrenia (e.g., age, gender, depressive symptoms, psychotic symptoms, work/school problems, legal problems). Multiple regression analyses revealed that more severe self-care deficits and less extreme psychotic symptomatology were related to exacerbated symptoms of substance abuse. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology*
  • Self Care
  • Social Behavior*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*