Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity in injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Western countries is high and is associated with lower quality of life and reduces the effectiveness of treatment programs. The aim of this study is to provide a review about psychiatric comorbidity in IDUs in Asia and Africa, where HIV prevalence is high and still increasing.
RECENT FINDINGS
Studies focusing on psychiatric comorbidity in Asia and Africa are scarce. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity is comparable with the prevalence in western countries. Psychiatric disorders can occur before or during drug abuse and are also associated with substance abuse and physical comorbidity and its treatments. Childhood trauma followed by post-traumatic disorders is a significant risk factor for substance abuse. Psychiatric co-occurring disorders influence the adherence to the physical and drug use treatment. Evidence-based treatment for psychiatric comorbidity in IDUs is still limited.
SUMMARY
A better understanding of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in IDUs and its impact on the overall treatments is growing. However, more studies focusing on the treatment for psychiatric comorbidity in IDUs in Asia and Africa are needed.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Iskandar S, Kamal R, De Jong CA

Institution

Department of Psychiatry, Padjadjaran University/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. shelly_bdg@yahoo.com

Source

Current opinion in psychiatry 25:3 2012 May pg 213-8

MeSH

Africa
Asia
Comorbidity
Humans
Mental Disorders
Patient Compliance
Risk Factors
Substance Abuse, Intravenous

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22449767