Diagnostic subgroups within a sample of comorbid substance abusers: Correlates and characteristics

Patients seeking treatment at the Addiction Research Foundation for a subst ance problem but who also reported psychiatric symptomatology were referred to the Mental Health Unit. Following a clinical psychiatric interview, the se patients were categorized into one of six diagnostic subgroups based on the presence of DSM-111-R psychiatric disorders: mood, anxiety, psychotic, organic, Axis-II, and adjustment. A control group of patients referred to t he Mental Health Unit but not diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder was als o included. These groups were compared on several demographic, substance us e, and psychiatric variables. Patients assigned a diagnosis of organic (sub stance-induced) and Axis II disorders were found to have more severe substa nce use histories, alcohol-related consequences and longer treatment histor ies. Patients with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder appeared to be functi oning relatively better. Implications of studying the heterogeneity of como rbidity are discussed.