Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The validity of a primary/secondary substance use disorder (SUD) distinction was evaluated in the first 1000 patients enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder. Patients with primary SUD (n = 116) were compared with those with secondary SUD (n = 275) on clinical course variables. Patients with secondary SUD had fewer days of euthymia, more episodes of mania and depression, and a greater history of suicide attempts. These findings were fully explained by variations in age of onset of bipolar disorder. The order of onset of SUDs was not linked to bipolar outcomes when age of onset of bipolar disorder was statistically controlled. The primary/secondary distinction for SUD is not valid when variations in the age of onset of the non-SUD are linked to course characteristics.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/10550490500528423

Type

Journal article

Journal

Am J Addict

Publication Date

03/2006

Volume

15

Pages

138 - 143

Keywords

Adult, Affect, Age Factors, Age of Onset, Bipolar Disorder, Combined Modality Therapy, Comorbidity, Female, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Middle Aged, Personality Assessment, Quality of Life, Reproducibility of Results, Risk Factors, Substance-Related Disorders, Suicide, Attempted, Treatment Outcome