Characterization of dual disorders in addiction treatment-seekers at mexican outpatient centers

Abstract

Introduction. In Mexico, very few studies have been published on dual disorders (DD) at specialized treatment centers describing actual treatment needs and even fewer have been undertaken at addiction treatment centers in the public system. The objective of this study was therefore to analyze DD and other clinical characteristics in people seeking treatment at outpatient addiction centers in the public system.

Method. Cross-sectional multi-site study. A sample of 148 patients from treatment centers was analyzed. Psychiatric disorders were evaluated with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, risky sexual behaviors with the HIV Risk Behavior Scale, injection drug use, and quality of life with the Quality of Life Questionnaire. Univariate chisquare analyses were performed to determine statistical differences between subjects with and without DD, while linear regression was used to calculate quality of life and binomial logistic regression to determine the risk of injection drug use, condom use, and suicidal behavior.

Results. Cocaine was the impact drug with the highest prevalence (33.8%). The group of subjects with alcohol use disorder + drug use disorder presented greater comorbidity with major depressive disorder (25.7%), antisocial disorder (27.7%), attention deficit (11.5%) and suicide attempt (17.6%). The group with DD presented higher injection drug use (OR = 1.67), non-use of condoms with a primary partner (OR = 3.66), more suicide attempts (OR = 4.2) and lower quality of life than those without DD.

Conclusion. Characterizing patients with DD enables the accurate identification of their treatment needs and the development of continuous improvement programs to optimize resources and improve the success of care.