T. Toneatto et al., Diagnostic subgroups within a sample of comorbid substance abusers: Correlates and characteristics, AM J ADDICT, 9(3), 2000, pp. 253-264
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.