Psychiatric Disorders in Treatment-Entering Cocaine Abusers

Abstract

In a sample of 298 cocaine users, rates of psychiatric disorders were determined using Research Diagnostic Criteria. Overall, 55.7% met current and 73.5% met lifetime criteria for a psychiatric disorder other than a substance use disorder including major depression (30.5%), minor bipolar conditions (e.g., hypomania), anxiety disorders (20.8%), antisocial personality (32.9%), and childhood attention deficit disorder (34.9%). Affective disorders and alcoholism usually followed the onset of drug use, while anxiety disorders, antisocial personality, and attention deficit disorder preceded drug use.

Key Words:

• Cocaine
• Psychiatric disorders
• Alcoholism
• Precursors