Impact of Substance Abuse Comorbidity on Psychopathology and Pattern of Remission in Mania

This prospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of substance abuse comorbidity and its impact on psycho pathology and pattern of remission in mania. Hundred consecutive inpatients with a diagnosis of manic episode were followed up for three months using structured clinical interview schedule for DSM III R (SCID-P), DSM IIIR check list for mania. Bech-Rafaelsan Mania Rating Scale and a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic and clinical profile. The prevalence of substance abuse comorbidity was 52%. Substance abusers were significantly younger, had early age of onset of mood disorder, unmarried, unemployed, had more dysphoric and irritate mood states and grandiose and persecutory delusions. Risk factor analysis showed substance abuse as being consistently associated with poor outcome in mania.