Lisa H Domenico1, Ben Lewis2, Mythili Hazarika3, Sara Jo Nixon4. 1. 1 Lisa H. Domenico, PhD, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 2. 2 Ben Lewis, PhD, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 3. 3 Mythili Hazarika, PhD, Gauhati Medical College Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India. 4. 4 Sara Jo Nixon, PhD, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite high prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) substance use disorder (SUD) comorbidity, little is known regarding demographic characteristics associated with GAD in SUD treatment seekers. OBJECTIVE: To characterize demographic differences between inpatient SUD treatment seekers reporting varying levels of GAD symptomatology. DESIGN: General linear models, chi-square test, t test, and correlational analyses were utilized to assess group differences. Groups included those with no history of significant anxiety (No GAD; n = 256), subclinical anxiety (Subclinical; n = 85), and those meeting GAD diagnostic criteria (GAD; n = 61). RESULTS: The No GAD group differed substantially from Subclinical and GAD individuals. With the exception of polysubstance use, no differences were found regarding Subclinical and GAD groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals with subclinical GAD symptoms and those meeting diagnostic criteria were nearly identical regarding precursors to problematic substance use, severity of use, and key mental health indicators. Findings suggest subclinical levels of GAD should not be overlooked when assessing and treating SUDs.
BACKGROUND: Despite high prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) substance use disorder (SUD) comorbidity, little is known regarding demographic characteristics associated with GAD in SUD treatment seekers. OBJECTIVE: To characterize demographic differences between inpatient SUD treatment seekers reporting varying levels of GAD symptomatology. DESIGN: General linear models, chi-square test, t test, and correlational analyses were utilized to assess group differences. Groups included those with no history of significant anxiety (No GAD; n = 256), subclinical anxiety (Subclinical; n = 85), and those meeting GAD diagnostic criteria (GAD; n = 61). RESULTS: The No GAD group differed substantially from Subclinical and GAD individuals. With the exception of polysubstance use, no differences were found regarding Subclinical and GAD groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals with subclinical GAD symptoms and those meeting diagnostic criteria were nearly identical regarding precursors to problematic substance use, severity of use, and key mental health indicators. Findings suggest subclinical levels of GAD should not be overlooked when assessing and treating SUDs.
Entities:
Keywords:
comorbidity; generalized anxiety disorder; subclinical; substance use disorder; treatment
Authors: Deborah S Hasin; Marc Auriacombe; Guilherme Borges; Kathleen Bucholz; Alan Budney; Thomas Crowley; Bridget F Grant; Charles O'Brien; Nancy M Petry; Marc Schuckit; Melanie M Wall Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2013-04 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Wilson M Compton; Linda B Cottler; Jacqueline L Jacobs; Arbi Ben-Abdallah; Edward L Spitznagel Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2003-05 Impact factor: 18.112