Kristiina Kuussaari1, Karoliina Karjalainen2, Solja Niemelä3,4. 1. Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), P.O. Box 30, 00271, Helsinki, Finland. kristiina.kuussaari@thl.fi. 2. Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), P.O. Box 30, 00271, Helsinki, Finland. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, P.O. Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Mental health and substance use disorders are notable contributors to the global total burden of disease. On a population level, co-occurring mental health and substance use problems are estimated to account for 2-4%. In clinical samples, estimate is even higher. The aim of this study was to examine changes in recognized mental health problems (MHPs) and in the substance use profiles among clients with substance use problems in Finland. METHODS: Data concerning individuals with substance use entering Finnish social and health care services during 1 day were collected nationwide at three time-points in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Cross-tabulations and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Co-occurring MHPs and substance use problems were common: 56-60% of the clients with substance use problems were reported to have had MHPs between the years 2007 and 2015. The proportion of MHPs remained rather stable among them. Substance use profiles have changed: the proportion of illicit drug use among those who had MHPs has increased in health care services, social services, and substance use problem services. CONCLUSION: Co-occurring substance use and MHPs among clients with substance use problems are common, and substance use profile is shifting from using alcohol only towards illicit drug use. This may even bring along more challenges for the treatment system and should be considered in future service planning.
PURPOSE: Mental health and substance use disorders are notable contributors to the global total burden of disease. On a population level, co-occurring mental health and substance use problems are estimated to account for 2-4%. In clinical samples, estimate is even higher. The aim of this study was to examine changes in recognized mental health problems (MHPs) and in the substance use profiles among clients with substance use problems in Finland. METHODS: Data concerning individuals with substance use entering Finnish social and health care services during 1 day were collected nationwide at three time-points in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Cross-tabulations and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Co-occurring MHPs and substance use problems were common: 56-60% of the clients with substance use problems were reported to have had MHPs between the years 2007 and 2015. The proportion of MHPs remained rather stable among them. Substance use profiles have changed: the proportion of illicit drug use among those who had MHPs has increased in health care services, social services, and substance use problem services. CONCLUSION: Co-occurring substance use and MHPs among clients with substance use problems are common, and substance use profile is shifting from using alcohol only towards illicit drug use. This may even bring along more challenges for the treatment system and should be considered in future service planning.
Entities:
Keywords:
Co-occurrence; Mental health problems; Substance use; Treatment system
Authors: Harvey A Whiteford; Louisa Degenhardt; Jürgen Rehm; Amanda J Baxter; Alize J Ferrari; Holly E Erskine; Fiona J Charlson; Rosana E Norman; Abraham D Flaxman; Nicole Johns; Roy Burstein; Christopher J L Murray; Theo Vos Journal: Lancet Date: 2013-08-29 Impact factor: 79.321