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The Australian and New Zealand Journal... Jul 2022Evidence indicates that mood disorders often co-occur with substance-related disorders. However, pooling comorbidity estimates can be challenging due to heterogeneity in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Evidence indicates that mood disorders often co-occur with substance-related disorders. However, pooling comorbidity estimates can be challenging due to heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and in the overall study design. The aim of this study was to systematically review and, where appropriate, meta-analyse estimates related to the pairwise comorbidity between mood disorders and substance-related disorders, after sorting these estimates by various study designs.
METHODS
We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science for publications between 1980 and 2017 regardless of geographical location and language. We meta-analysed estimates from original articles in 4 broadly defined mood and 35 substance-related disorders.
RESULTS
After multiple eligibility steps, we included 120 studies for quantitative analysis. In general, regardless of variations in diagnosis type, temporal order or use of adjustments, there was substantial comorbidity between mood and substance-related disorders. We found a sixfold elevated risk between broadly defined mood disorder and drug dependence (odds ratio = 5.7) and fivefold risk between depression and cannabis dependence (odds ratio = 4.9) while the highest pooled estimate, based on period prevalence risk, was found between broadly defined dysthymic disorder and drug dependence (odds ratio = 11.3). Based on 56 separate meta-analyses, all pooled odds ratios were above 1, and 46 were significantly greater than 1 (i.e. the 95% confidence intervals did not include 1).
CONCLUSION
This review found robust and consistent evidence of an increased risk of comorbidity between many combinations of mood and substance-related disorders. We also identified a number of under-researched mood and substance-related disorders, suitable for future scrutiny. This review reinforces the need for clinicians to remain vigilant in order to promptly identify and treat these common types of comorbidity.
Topics: Comorbidity; Humans; Mood Disorders; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 34708662
DOI: 10.1177/00048674211054740 -
Psychology and Psychotherapy Sep 2021The moderate association between therapeutic alliance (TA) and psychological therapy outcome is well established. Historically, the field has not focused on people with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The moderate association between therapeutic alliance (TA) and psychological therapy outcome is well established. Historically, the field has not focused on people with a severe mental illness. This is the first review to conduct a meta-analysis of associations between TA and therapeutic engagement as well as outcome in psychological therapy for psychosis.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Eligible studies conducted a quantitative investigation of the relationship between TA during a psychological therapy and outcome at a subsequent time-point.
METHOD
A systematic review examined the relationship between TA and engagement as well as outcome measures within psychological therapy for psychosis. Correlational meta-analyses using an aggregate random effects model were conducted.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were eligible for inclusion (n = 1,656) of which 13 were included in the meta-analyses. Client- and therapist-rated TA were associated with engagement in therapy (r = 0.36, p = .003; r = 0.40, p = .0053). TA was also associated with reduction in global (r = 0.29, p = .0005; r = 0.24, p = .0015) and psychotic symptoms (r = 0.17, p = .0115; r = 0.30, p = .0003). The systematic review identified no evidence or limited evidence for a relationship between TA during therapy and depression, substance use, physical health behaviours, global as well as social functioning, overall mental health recovery, and self-esteem at follow-up. Although number of studies was small, TA was related to a reduced risk of subsequent hospitalization in 40% of analyses (across two studies) and improved cognitive outcome in 50% of analyses (across three studies).
CONCLUSIONS
The observed TA-therapy engagement and TA-outcome associations were broadly consistent with those identified across non-psychotic diagnostic groups. Well-powered studies are needed to investigate the relationship between TA and process as well as outcome in psychological therapy for psychosis specifically.
PRACTITIONER POINTS
This is the first review to conduct a meta-analytic synthesis of the association between therapeutic alliance (TA) and both engagement and change in outcome in psychological therapies for psychosis. TA (as rated by therapist and client) was associated with the extent of therapeutic engagement as well as reduction in global mental health symptoms and psychotic symptoms. The significant associations between TA and engagement as well as change in outcome identified in the current review are broadly consistent with those observed across non-psychotic diagnostic groups. We consider factors that could impact upon the dynamic and potentially interdependent relationships between TA and therapeutic techniques, including attachment security and severity of paranoid ideation.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Psychotic Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Therapeutic Alliance
PubMed: 33569885
DOI: 10.1111/papt.12330 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Oct 2022Several studies have indicated an association between maternal prenatal substance use and offspring externalizing disorders; however, it is uncertain whether this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Several studies have indicated an association between maternal prenatal substance use and offspring externalizing disorders; however, it is uncertain whether this relationship is causal. We conducted a systematic review to determine: (1) if the literature supports a causal role of maternal prenatal substance use on offspring externalizing disorders diagnosis and (2) whether these associations differ across externalizing disorders.
METHODS
We searched Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO and Medline databases. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and where possible meta-analysis was conducted for studies classed as low risk of bias. We included studies of any design that examined prenatal smoking, alcohol or caffeine use. Studies in non-English language, fetal alcohol syndrome and comorbid autism spectrum disorders were excluded. Participants in the included studies were mothers and their offspring. Measurements included prenatal smoking, alcohol or caffeine use as an exposure, and diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in offspring as an outcome.
RESULTS
We included 63 studies, 46 of which investigated smoking and ADHD. All studies were narratively synthesized, and seven studies on smoking and ADHD were meta-analysed. The largest meta-analysis based on genetically sensitive design included 1 011 546 participants and did not find evidence for an association [odds ratio (OR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83-1.11; OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.79-1.36). Studies on alcohol exposure in all the outcomes reported inconsistent findings and no strong conclusions on causality can be made. Studies on caffeine exposure were mainly limited to ADHD and these studies do not support a causal effect.
CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be no clear evidence to support a causal relationship between maternal prenatal smoking and offspring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Findings with alcohol and caffeine exposures and conduct disorder and oppositional-defiant disorder need more research, using more genetically sensitive designs.
Topics: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Caffeine; Conduct Disorder; Ethanol; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Smoking; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35385887
DOI: 10.1111/add.15858 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Sep 2023Studies often rely upon self-report and biological testing methods for measuring illicit drug use, although evidence for their agreement is limited to specific... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Studies often rely upon self-report and biological testing methods for measuring illicit drug use, although evidence for their agreement is limited to specific populations and self-report instruments. We aimed to examine comprehensively the evidence for agreement between self-reported and biologically measured illicit drug use among all major illicit drug classes, biological indicators, populations and settings.
METHODS
We systematically searched peer-reviewed databases (Medline, Embase and PsycINFO) and grey literature. Included studies reported 2 × 2 table counts or agreement estimates comparing self-reported and biologically measured use published up to March 2022. With biological results considered to be the reference standard and use of random-effect regression models, we evaluated pooled estimates for overall agreement (primary outcome), sensitivity, specificity, false omission rates (proportion reporting no use that test positive) and false discovery rates (proportion reporting use that test negative) by drug class, potential consequences attached to self-report (i.e. work, legal or treatment impacts) and time-frame of use. Heterogeneity was assessed by inspecting forest plots.
RESULTS
From 7924 studies, we extracted data from 207 eligible studies. Overall agreement ranged from good to excellent (> 0.79). False omission rates were generally low, while false discovery rates varied by setting. Specificity was generally high but sensitivity varied by drug, sample type and setting. Self-report in clinical trials and situations of no consequences was generally reliable. For urine, recent (i.e. past 1-4 days) self-report produced lower sensitivity and false discovery rates than past month. Agreement was higher in studies that informed participants biological testing would occur (diagnostic odds ratio = 2.91, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-6.78). The main source of bias was biological assessments (51% studies).
CONCLUSIONS
While there are limitations associated with self-report and biological testing to measure illicit drug use, overall agreement between the two methods is high, suggesting both provide good measures of illicit drug use. Recommended methods of biological testing are more likely to provide reliable measures of recent use if there are problems with self-disclosure.
Topics: Humans; Self Report; Substance-Related Disorders; Illicit Drugs; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37005867
DOI: 10.1111/add.16200 -
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Feb 2021Social impairments are important features of a substance use disorder diagnosis; and recent models suggest early impairments in socio-cognitive and -affective processes...
BACKGROUND
Social impairments are important features of a substance use disorder diagnosis; and recent models suggest early impairments in socio-cognitive and -affective processes may predict future use. However, no systematic reviews are available on this topic.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses exploring the association between social-cognitive and -affective processes (empathy, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, theory of mind, and social cognition) and substance use frequency (alcohol, cannabis, general drug use). We examined moderating effects of study design, gender, age, and weather conduct problems were controlled for. We also review brain studies related to social cognition and substance use disorder (SUD) risk.
RESULTS
Systematic review suggested a negative association for positively valenced constructs with substance use but mixed results on the negatively valenced construct CU traits. Meta-analyses revealed moderate positive association between CU traits with alcohol and general drug use but no significance with cannabis use. Moderate effect sizes were found for CU traits in youth predicting severity of substance use by late adolescence and significantly accounted for variance independently of conduct problems. Significant moderators included gender proportions, sample type, and age. Neuroimaging meta-analysis indicated 10 coordinates that were different in youth at a high risk/with SUD compared to controls. Three of these coordinates associate with theory of mind and social cognition.
CONCLUSION
Socio-cognitive and -affective constructs demonstrate an association with current and future substance use, and neural differences are present when performing social cognitive tasks in regions with strongest associations with theory of mind and social cognition.
Topics: Adolescent; Cognition; Conduct Disorder; Emotions; Empathy; Female; Humans; Male; Problem Behavior; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 33444900
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108479 -
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology Oct 2022Alexithymia has been associated with substance use, but the magnitude of the association has not been evaluated and sub-group differences, if any, are unknown. The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Alexithymia has been associated with substance use, but the magnitude of the association has not been evaluated and sub-group differences, if any, are unknown. The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically review the association between alexithymia and substance use (alcohol or illicit drugs). We identified studies through a systematic review of PubMed and Web of Science and obtained a total of 52 publications using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 scale. Random effects meta-analysis was used to evaluate the overall and sub-group associations. Of the studies, 50 were cross-sectional and two longitudinal. Alexithymia was associated with any substance use (Cohen's d = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.76), with little difference between estimates for use of alcohol or illicit drugs. A stronger association was observed for the alexithymia dimension "Difficulty in Identifying Feelings" (d = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.47-0.81) and "Difficulty in Describing Feelings" (d = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.32-0.55) than for "Externally Oriented Thinking" (d = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.09-0.28). The association was stronger in studies with clinical patient populations (d = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.62-1.05) than in those investigating general or student populations, and in studies with a majority of male rather than female participants. These findings suggest a strong overall association between alexithymia and substance use and a very strong association among clinical patient populations. The association may be stronger with the emotion-related dimensions than with the cognition-related dimension of alexithymia. As nearly all the studies were cross-sectional, more longitudinal studies are needed.
Topics: Affective Symptoms; Emotions; Female; Humans; Illicit Drugs; Male; Students; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35436351
DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12821 -
Neuromodulation : Journal of the... Feb 2022Substance addiction encompasses the incapacity to discontinue urgent drug use; many severely disabled patients might be considered appropriate candidates for surgery due... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Substance addiction encompasses the incapacity to discontinue urgent drug use; many severely disabled patients might be considered appropriate candidates for surgery due to the high rates of relapse despite conservative treatment. A crucial finding in the brain of these patients is increased extracellular concentrations of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc).
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of NAcc surgery for the treatment of substance dependence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review to identify all original studies in which NAcc surgery was performed to treat relapsing drug addiction with a minimum follow-up of six months. From database inception to April 10, 2020, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. The main outcome was the relapse rate. The GRADE methods were applied to evaluate the quality of evidence. This study was registered with PROSPERO CRD42020177054.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies involving 359 participants met inclusion criteria; eight (56%) included NAcc deep brain stimulation (DBS) in 13 patients with addiction for alcohol (N = 6, 46.1%), opioid (N = 4, 30.7%), and nicotine (N = 3, 15.3%); seven studies (N = 346, 44%) performed NAcc radiofrequency (RF) ablation for opioid (N = 334) and alcohol (N = 12) dependence. Relapse rates were 38.4% for DBS and 39% for RF ablation.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite available studies reporting a benefit in the treatment of drug addictions with NAcc surgery, this systematic review stresses the need for carefully planned prospective studies in order to further address the efficacy and indications.
Topics: Deep Brain Stimulation; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Nucleus Accumbens; Prospective Studies; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35125136
DOI: 10.1111/ner.13348 -
Journal of Gambling Studies Jun 2023Gambling disorder is a common and problematic behavioral disorder associated with depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, bankruptcy, and high suicide rates. In... (Review)
Review
Gambling disorder is a common and problematic behavioral disorder associated with depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, bankruptcy, and high suicide rates. In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), pathological gambling was renamed "gambling disorder" and moved to the Substance-Related and Addiction Disorders chapter to acknowledge that research suggests that pathological gambling and alcohol and drug addiction are related. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic review of risk factors for gambling disorder. Systematic searches of EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science identified 33 records that met study inclusion criteria. A revised study acknowledges as risk factors for developing/maintaining a gambling disorder being a single young male, or married for less than 5 years, living alone, having a poor education, and struggling financially.
Topics: Humans; Male; Gambling; Comorbidity; Substance-Related Disorders; Behavior, Addictive; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36884150
DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10195-1 -
International Journal of Prisoner Health May 2023This study aims to provide an overview and quality appraisal of the current scientific evidence concerning the prevalence and characteristics of mental and physical... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This study aims to provide an overview and quality appraisal of the current scientific evidence concerning the prevalence and characteristics of mental and physical disorders among sentenced female prisoners.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
A mixed-methods systematic literature review.
FINDINGS
A total of 4 reviews and 39 single studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Mental disorders were the main area of investigation in the majority of single studies, with substance abuse, particularly drug abuse, as the most consistently gender biased disorder, with higher prevalence among women than men in prison. The review identified a lack of updated systematic evidence on the presence of multi-morbidity.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE
This study provides an up-to-date overview and quality appraisal of the current scientific evidence concerning the prevalence and characteristics of mental and physical disorders among female prisoners.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Prevalence; Prisoners; Mental Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Correctional Facilities; Prisons
PubMed: 37158168
DOI: 10.1108/IJPH-12-2022-0080 -
The International Journal on Drug Policy Dec 2023About a third of people use drugs during their incarceration, which is associated with multiple adverse health and criminal justice outcomes. Many studies have examined... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
About a third of people use drugs during their incarceration, which is associated with multiple adverse health and criminal justice outcomes. Many studies have examined factors associated with in-prison drug use, but this evidence has not yet been systematically reviewed. We aimed to systematically review and synthesise the evidence on factors related to drug use in prison.
METHODS
Three databases (PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase) were systematically searched as well as grey literature, for quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies examining factors related to drug use inside prison. We excluded studies that did not explicitly measure in prison drug use or only measured alcohol and/or tobacco use. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) for quantitative studies and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) for qualitative studies. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021295898).
RESULTS
Fifty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting data on 26,399 people in prison. Most studies were of low or moderate-quality, and all used self-report to assess drug use. In quantitative studies, studies found that previous criminal justice involvement, poor prison conditions, pre-prison drug use and psychiatric diagnosis were positively associated with drug use in prison. In qualitative studies, reasons for drug use were closely linked to the prison environment lacking purposeful activity and the social context of the prison whereby drug use was seen as acceptable, necessary for cohesion and pressurised.
CONCLUSION
In the first systematic review of factors associated with drug use in prison, key modifiable risk factors identified from quantitative and qualitative studies were psychiatric morbidity and poor prison conditions. Non-modifiable factors included previous drug use and criminal history linked to substance use. Our findings indicate an opportunity to intervene and improve the prison environment to reduce drug use and associated adverse outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Prisons; Substance-Related Disorders; Criminals; Risk Factors; Social Environment
PubMed: 37952319
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104248