Substance Dependence Comorbidity With Mental Disorders in Egyptian Young Adults

Objectives: Substance dependence is commonly seen among Egyptian young adults. Unfortunately limited data are available about the prevalence of comorbidity of mental disorders and substance dependence in this age group. In addition, substance dependence is correlated with many psychopathologic factors such as low self-esteem, childhood abuse, and stressful life events, etc. which could aggravate the load of the disorder. Methods: A case control study that included 80 patients diagnosed with substance dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, text revised (DSM-IV-TR). The sample was recruited from Kasr Al-Ainy Psychiatry and Addiction Hospital. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (cases with the diagnosis of comorbid substance dependence and othermental disorder) and group 2 (cases with the diagnosis of substance dependence only). They were examined using Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RES). Results: Patients in group 1 had significantly higher levels of impairment and disability in scores of ASI: drug use, social impairment, and psychiatric problems. They had higher percentage of psychopathologic factors, for example, history of childhood abuse. There was no significant difference in the presence of comorbid personality disorder, or history of stressful life events. Conclusions: Comorbidity of mental disorders with substance dependence is associated with more impairment and functional deterioration. Young adults with substance dependence have high levels of associated psychopathologic factors, such as childhood abuse, stressful life events, and deliberate self-harm.