Predictors of neurotic symptom severity among female drug users in Glasgow, Scotland

Abstract

Aims: The prevalence and predictors of neurotic symptom severity among 266 female drug users recruited from three services in Glasgow, Scotland, is described.

Methods: The Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R) measured current neurotic symptoms. Questions on abuse and eating disorders were adapted from the Female European Addiction Severity Index.

Findings: In their lifetime, 71% (184/260) had been emotionally abused, 65% (168/260) physically abused and 50% (129/259) sexually abused. In addition, 85% (227/266) met threshold for a neurotic disorder (CIS-R ≥ 12) and 71% (188/266) reported a severity of current neurotic symptoms likely to need treatment (CIS-R ≥ 18). Stepwise multiple logistic regression found that ever suffering from bulimia, anorexia and/or binge eating (OR 4.10, 95% CI 1.76–9.58), adult emotional abuse (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.57–5.65), being prescribed psychiatric medication in the last 30 days (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.18–7.38), and 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillizers (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.29–4.89) were associated with CIS-R ≥ 18. Results were compared for participants attending each of the three services.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the multiple and complex needs of female drug users that may require medical, mental health and drug use treatment.