Anhedonia and social adaptation predict substance abuse evolution in dual diagnosis schizophrenia

Stéphane Potvin, Emmanuel Stip, Olivier Lipp, Marc André Roy, Marie France Demers, Roch Hugo Bouchard, Alain Gendron

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The current study sought to identify the variables, derived from the self-medication hypothesis, which predicted substance abuse evolution during a homogeneous 3-month antipsychotic treatment. Twenty-four patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance abuse (mainly cannabis and alcohol). Substance abuse, psychiatric symptoms, anhedonia, and social adjustment were assessed at baseline and study endpoint. Linear regression analyses were performed. Better social adaptation and worse anhedonia predicted substance abuse improvements. Conversely, greater psychoactive substance (PAS) use predicted endpoint positive and depressive symptoms. These results suggest that: (i) substance abuse interferes with psychiatric prognosis in schizophrenia; and (ii) dual diagnosis treatments leading patients to engage in alternative social activities may render substance abuse less appealing. Further studies are warranted to dissociate the causes and consequences of substance abuse in schizophrenia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)75-82
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anhedonia
  • Schizophrenia
  • Social adaptation
  • Substance use disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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