OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the development in symptoms, behaviors, function and treatment between patients with or without a substance use (SU) diagnose in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). METHODS: A total of 118 admitted patients were assessed at admittance, day 3 and discharge from the PICU. Symptoms of psychopathology, therapeutic steps taken, violent episodes and length of patient stay were recorded. RESULTS: More males than females received an SU diagnosis. Substance use patients had less psychiatric symptoms at admittance and showed a faster symptom reduction, more favorable and faster improvement of function and a shorter length of stay. Except for symptom reduction and shorter length of stay, these differences were largely due to differences in sex and diagnoses in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In a naturalistic group of patients in a PICU, SU is associated with favorable outcomes compared to patients not using substances.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the development in symptoms, behaviors, function and treatment between patients with or without a substance use (SU) diagnose in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). METHODS: A total of 118 admitted patients were assessed at admittance, day 3 and discharge from the PICU. Symptoms of psychopathology, therapeutic steps taken, violent episodes and length of patient stay were recorded. RESULTS: More males than females received an SU diagnosis. Substance use patients had less psychiatric symptoms at admittance and showed a faster symptom reduction, more favorable and faster improvement of function and a shorter length of stay. Except for symptom reduction and shorter length of stay, these differences were largely due to differences in sex and diagnoses in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In a naturalistic group of patients in a PICU, SU is associated with favorable outcomes compared to patients not using substances.
Authors: Arne E Vaaler; Gunnar Morken; Olav M Linaker; Trond Sand; Kjell A Kvistad; Geir Bråthen Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2009-09-30 Impact factor: 3.630
Authors: Arne E Vaaler; Valentina C Iversen; Gunnar Morken; John C Fløvig; Tom Palmstierna; Olav M Linaker Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2011-03-18 Impact factor: 3.630
Authors: Arne E Vaaler; Gunnar Morken; Valentina C Iversen; Daniel Kondziella; Olav M Linaker Journal: BMC Neurol Date: 2010-07-30 Impact factor: 2.474