Comparison of demographic characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity among methamphetamine-, heroin- and methamphetamine-heroin co- dependent males in Hunan, China

Huixi Dong,Mei Yang,Huanzhong Liu,Wei Hao,Chenxi Zhang,Yidong Shen,Mengqi Liu,Liang Liu

doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1346-7

Abstract

BackgroundThere is little research of psychiatric comorbidity differences among people with different types of drug dependence in Chinese population. We explored demographic and comorbid psychiatric differences among methamphetamine- dependent males (MDs), heroin-dependent males (HDs) and methamphetamine and heroin co-dependent males (M/HDs) in Hunan province, China.MethodsA cross-sectional, structured and clinical interview method was used to examine differences in DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders among 346 MDs, 698 HDs and 247 M/HDs from three compulsory rehabilitation centers and two voluntary rehabilitation centers in Hunan.ResultsMDs and M/HDs were younger, more likely to choose inhalation administration, less likely to have a family history of substance use, less likely to have undergone detoxification treatment, had higher incomes and shorter duration of drug use than HDs. Overall, methamphetamine-dependence related to higher rates of current and lifetime psychotic disorders, lifetime hallucinogen use disorders. Heroin-dependence related to higher rates of current and lifetime substance-induced mood disorders, sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic and other drug use disorders and current alcohol use disorder. For M/HDs, they were more likely to have any other lifetime substance use disorders than MDs and HDs.ConclusionsThere were substantial differences in epidemiological characteristics and comorbidity among MD, HD and M/HD groups, which highlights the urgent need to develop treatment services and policies for drug-specific users in China.

Highlights

There is little research of psychiatric comorbidity differences among people with different types of drug dependence in Chinese population
Highlights We explored demographic and comorbidity differences in the major types of drug use populations in China
Demographic data and drug-use characteristics After an initial screening, 19 MA users and 8 heroin users were excluded for not meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for MA dependence or heroin dependence: they were diagnosed with abuse but not dependence. 86% of subjects agreed to participate in this study

Summary

Introduction

There is little research of psychiatric comorbidity differences among people with different types of drug dependence in Chinese population. Since the reforms and opening of China began in the late 1980s, the production and use of illicit drugs has dramatically increased [45]. Since national data on synthetic drugs use was first published in 2004, the percentage of registered users using heroin decreased from 81.1% to 41.8% at the end of 2015. The percentage of registered users using synthetic drugs increased from 9.5% to 57.1% [3, 4]. Between 2008 and 2012, heroin was the most commonly used illicit drug in China, followed by MA, either in crystalline form or taken as pills [47]. Given the seriousness of MA and heroin use in China, it is urgent to conduct a detailed and up to date clinical investigation of these drug users

Results

Discussion

Conclusion