Psychiatric morbidity at a female residential drug treatment centre in Hong Kong
Publication Details
Tang, A., Cheung, R. Y. K., Liang, H. J., Ungvari, G. S., & Tang, W. K. (2011). Psychiatric morbidity at a female residential drug treatment centre in Hong Kong. East Asian Archives of Psychiatry, 21(1), 28-31.
Abstract
Objective: To describe the psychiatric co-morbidity of female psychotropic substance abusers treated at a residential treatment centre.
Methods: Subjects were recruited from a female residential substance abuse treatment centre in Hong Kong — the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation for Drug Abusers. Demographic data and substance abuse habits were recorded. Psychiatric diagnoses were established with the Structured Clinical Interview for the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Results: Of the 42 residents, 32 agreed to participate in the study. All of whom completed the questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview for the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Concerning substance abuse, 84%, 38%, and 34% of the subjects were dependent on ketamine, methamphetamine and cocaine, respectively. The most common lifetime psychiatric diagnosis was substance-induced mood disorder (47%), followed by substance-induced psychotic disorder (16%).
Conclusions: Psychiatric disorders complicate heavy substance abuse in the majority of female patients. Regular screening of this population with standardised diagnostic instruments for psychiatric comorbidity is clearly warranted.
Keywords
peer-reviewed
