BACKGROUND: Substance use is implicated in the cause and course of psychosis. AIMS: To characterise substance and alcohol use in an epidemiologically representative treatment sample of people experiencing a first psychotic episode in south Cambridgeshire. METHOD: Current and lifetime substance use was recorded for 123 consecutive referrals to a specialist early intervention service. Substance use was compared with general population prevalence estimates from the British Crime Survey. RESULTS: Substance use among people with first-episode psychosis was twice that of the general population and was more common in men than women. Cannabis abuse was reported in 51% of patients (n=62) and alcohol abuse in 43% (n=53). More than half (n=68, 55%) had used Class A drugs, and 38% (n=43) reported polysubstance abuse. Age at first use of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine was significantly associated with age at first psychotic symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Substance misuse is present in the majority of people with first-episode psychosis and has major implications for management. The association between age at first substance use and first psychotic symptoms has public health implications.
BACKGROUND: Substance use is implicated in the cause and course of psychosis. AIMS: To characterise substance and alcohol use in an epidemiologically representative treatment sample of people experiencing a first psychotic episode in south Cambridgeshire. METHOD: Current and lifetime substance use was recorded for 123 consecutive referrals to a specialist early intervention service. Substance use was compared with general population prevalence estimates from the British Crime Survey. RESULTS: Substance use among people with first-episode psychosis was twice that of the general population and was more common in men than women. Cannabis abuse was reported in 51% of patients (n=62) and alcohol abuse in 43% (n=53). More than half (n=68, 55%) had used Class A drugs, and 38% (n=43) reported polysubstance abuse. Age at first use of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine was significantly associated with age at first psychotic symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Substance misuse is present in the majority of people with first-episode psychosis and has major implications for management. The association between age at first substance use and first psychotic symptoms has public health implications.
Authors: Serge Sevy; Delbert G Robinson; Suzanne Sunday; Barbara Napolitano; Rachel Miller; Joanne McCormack; John Kane Journal: Psychiatry Res Date: 2011-06-01 Impact factor: 3.222
Authors: Juan A Galvez-Buccollini; Ashley C Proal; Veronica Tomaselli; Melissa Trachtenberg; Cristinel Coconcea; Jinsoo Chun; Theo Manschreck; Jerry Fleming; Lynn E Delisi Journal: Schizophr Res Date: 2012-06-21 Impact factor: 4.939
Authors: Päivikki Tanskanen; Khanum Ridler; Graham K Murray; Marianne Haapea; Juha M Veijola; Erika Jääskeläinen; Jouko Miettunen; Peter B Jones; Edward T Bullmore; Matti K Isohanni Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2008-11-17 Impact factor: 9.306
Authors: Serge Sevy; Delbert G Robinson; Barbara Napolitano; Raman C Patel; Handan Gunduz-Bruce; Rachel Miller; Joanne McCormack; Beth S Lorell; John Kane Journal: Schizophr Res Date: 2010-05-14 Impact factor: 4.939
Authors: Melissa A Weibell; Wenche Ten Velden Hegelstad; Bjørn Auestad; Jørgen Bramness; Julie Evensen; Ulrik Haahr; Inge Joa; Jan Olav Johannessen; Tor Ketil Larsen; Ingrid Melle; Stein Opjordsmoen; Bjørn Rishovd Rund; Erik Simonsen; Per Vaglum; Thomas McGlashan; Patrick McGorry; Svein Friis Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2017-07-01 Impact factor: 9.306