Dual Diagnosis Research Articles

Dual disorder: does expert clinical experience support the rationale for cariprazine use?

Comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) in patients with schizophrenia (dual disorder, DD) is a frequent occurrence in the psychiatric clinical practice and is positively associated with poorer outcomes. Despite a very high co-prevalence, clinical guidelines for SUD and severe mental illnesses tend to give limited consideration to co-existing disorders regarding diagnosis and management. This article is the result of a meeting held in February 2023 to discuss common challenges and best clinical practice initiatives for patients with schizophrenia and DD in different treatment settings. The authors identified issues in the clinical approach to DD in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and suggested the most suitable management based on their experience as a group of experts, identifying possible improvement areas. In conclusion, the panel recommends that individuals with DD should be cared for in a single center. Pharmacologic treatment in individuals with DD needing both control of symptoms related to schizophrenia spectrum disorders and substance withdrawal should ideally be based on using a non-sedative antipsychotic with anti-craving activity.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for a case of addiction with personality disorder (clinical case study)

The problem of drug abuse and addiction is one of the most complex problems that affects all countries worldwide, due to the serious damage it can cause to various health, psychological, social, economic and security aspects. All countries strive to fight it by any means necessary. The World Health Organization defines addiction as the compulsive desire to continue using or obtaining a substance by any means, with a tendency to increase the dose taken. This addiction causes psychological and physical dependence and a detrimental effect on both individuals and society. This complicates the treatment project process, especially if the patient/addict suffers from psychological and/or mental disorders associated with addiction. In particular, personality disorders have a direct impact on the behaviors, performance, functions and thinking patterns of the sufferer. As the latter adopts an unhealthy and rigid pattern that causes them and those around them to suffer several psychological, health, social, professional and relational problems... Relatedly, we decided to present a clinical case with a dual diagnosis, as this patient has been suffering from the consequences of addiction for many years accompanied by a personality disorder. As for the clinical symptoms that top the clinical board of the case, we find a complete aversion to his body as he has not looked in the mirror for nearly 30 years. The patient has lost the symbolic representation of his body as a physical reality through which it is located internally, externally and cognitively. This comes in addition to severe clinical suffering at the level of familial, social and professional relationships, which made him live in a state of permanent social isolation. In our therapeutic approach to the condition, we use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a common type of psychotherapy in a regular manner, through a limited number of therapeutic sessions. The therapeutic intervention was carried out at the level of perception of incorrect or negative thinking, which enabled difficult situations to be presented more clearly and responded to in a more effective manner. Keywords: addiction, personality disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy.

Understanding the Variability of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: The Role of Epigenetic Factors.

Initially described as a triad of immunodeficiency, congenital heart defects and hypoparathyroidism, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) now encompasses a great amount of abnormalities involving different systems. Approximately 85% of patients share a 3 Mb 22q11.2 region of hemizygous deletion in which 46 protein-coding genes are included. However, the hemizygosity of the genes of this region cannot fully explain the clinical phenotype and the phenotypic variability observed among patients. Additional mutations in genes located outside the deleted region, leading to "dual diagnosis", have been described in 1% of patients. In some cases, the hemizygosity of the 22q11.2 region unmasks autosomal recessive conditions due to additional mutations on the non-deleted allele. Some of the deleted genes play a crucial role in gene expression regulation pathways, involving the whole genome. Typical miRNA expression patterns have been identified in 22q11.2DS, due to an alteration in miRNA biogenesis, affecting the expression of several target genes. Also, a methylation epi-signature in CpG islands differentiating patients from controls has been defined. Herein, we summarize the evidence on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of the clinical manifestations of 22q11.2 DS. The review of the literature confirms the hypothesis that the 22q11.2DS phenotype results from a network of interactions between deleted protein-coding genes and altered epigenetic regulation.

The Importance of Social Support for Individuals on Specialized Probation: A Gender Comparison of Relapse and Revocation

Informed by social support theory, this study examined gender differences of revocation and relapse of 526 probationers diagnosed with a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or co-occurring disorder who were court-ordered for treatment. Within 18 months of starting probation, 51% of men and 56% of women were revoked. Although not statistically significant, the relapse rate was 34% for women and 26% for men. Significant predictors of revocation were similar across gender with a lack of family support being the strongest predictor for both groups, though notably stronger for women. Family support was a significant predictor of relapse for women but not for men. Inpatient treatment of at least 180 days had the greatest effect in reducing relapse and revocation for women. Treatment dosage of at least 90 days had modest effects in reducing men’s revocation, but the treatment effect was less pronounced for men’s relapse rates.

Comorbidity of dual pathology and behavioral disorders in adolescence

Comorbidity of dual pathology and behavioral disorders in adolescence

Gender Incongruence and Autistic Traits: Cerebral and Behavioral Underpinnings

Gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) co-occur at high rates. Yet, it is unknown whether gender dysphoria and ASD are associated with common or distinct neurobiological correlates or how they relate to experiences of gender-related body incongruence. Using the Social Responsiveness Scale, we assessed autistic traits in 99 transgender and 99 cisgender individuals and investigated their associations with gender-related body incongruence, measured via a visually based “Body Morph” test, and with cortical thickness in the brain. Autistic traits were significantly higher among transgender individuals, and those with higher autistic traits had higher body incongruence scoring. Among transgender individuals, higher autistic traits were linked with a thinner cortex bilaterally in the temporal pole and the superior and inferior temporal gyri. Autistic traits were only partly associated with cortical morphology patterns previously reported in transgender individuals; instead, they were primarily linked to temporal lobe areas mediating social cognition. While replicating the previous literature on the increased prevalence of autistic traits among transgender individuals, this study reports specific regions in the brains of transgender individuals where cortical thickness is associated with autistic traits.

Perceived advantages and disadvantages of substance use in a dual diagnosis population with severe mental disorders and severe substance use disorder. Considering the self-medication hypothesis

Aim Based on a large cohort of dual diagnosis patients, the aim of this study was to quantify the patient-perceived problems and advantages of their substance use and relate the quantity of problems to the substance type and psychiatric diagnosis. Material Data comes from a naturalistic cohort admitted to an in-patient facility in Denmark specialized in integrated dual diagnosis treatment. We included 1076 patients at their first admission to the facility from 2010 to 2017. Participants completed 607 DrugCheck and 130 DUDIT-E questionnaires. Method we analyzed the questionnaires and included admission diagnosis by use of t-test and ANOVA to depict the patterns in substance use in relation to psychiatric diagnosis. Results The three most common substance related problems according to the DrugCheck questionnaire were: feeling depressed, financial problems, and losing interest in daily activities. From DUDIT-E, the highest-ranking negative substance related effects were financial ruin, deterioration of health, and problems at work. Effects on social life relationships were also evident with more than 40% of participants. The top three positive substance related effects reported were relaxation, improved sleep, and control over negative emotions. The number of problems listed varied significantly with the type of preferred substance. Patients using pain medication, sedatives, central stimulants, and alcohol reported most problems. Diagnosis did not differentiate the problems experienced. Results partially support the broad self-medication hypothesis for patients with severe mental illness, but also points out that patients are well aware of negative effects.

Examining patterns of patient adherence to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in chronic physical illnesses and comorbid mental health disorders: a scoping review protocol

Objective To examine the patient adherence patterns to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) intervention in persons living with long term physical illness and co-occurring mental health conditions. Introduction Current literature on patient treatment adherence is mostly focused on the medical/pharmacological treatment or is disorder/ therapy specific and does not address co-occurring or comorbid mental health disorders with physical health disorders in general. The objective of this scoping review is to provide insights into adherence behaviours and patterns outside of pharmacological intervention focusing on psychotherapeutic intervention specifically Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in persons living with long-term medical conditions with co-existing mental health disorders/ conditions. The results of the review will highlight different aspects of adherence to CBT including facilitating and impeding factors influencing adherence, and variations across comorbid mental and physical health conditions. These results will aid in developing targeted CBT interventions and strategies to improve adherence rates. Furthermore, identifying gaps in the existing literature will guide future research to optimise health outcomes in this population. Inclusion Criteria Using the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) criteria, studies will be included if they reported on patient adherence patterns of CBT in persons living with chronic medical conditions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Methods The scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for scoping review and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL Plus (including full academic search, APA PsychInfo, and Medline), Scopus, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and University College Cork (UCC) library’s one search platform will be conducted. The JBI standard data extraction tool will be tailored to the review objectives. The findings will be presented using a descriptive and narrative approach.

Predicting Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Women: An Automated Machine Learning Approach

Significant clinical overlap exists between mental health and substance use disorders, especially among women. The purpose of this research is to leverage an AutoML (Automated Machine Learning) interface to predict and distinguish co-occurring mental health (MH) and substance use disorders (SUD) among women. By employing various modeling algorithms for binary classification, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosted Trees, XGBoost, Extra Trees, SGD, Deep Neural Network, Single-Layer Perceptron, K Nearest Neighbors (grid), and a super learning model (constructed by combining the predictions of a Random Forest model and an XGBoost model), the research aims to provide healthcare practitioners with a powerful tool for earlier identification, intervention, and personalised support for women at risk. The present research presents a machine learning (ML) methodology for more accurately predicting the co-occurrence of mental health (MH) and substance use disorders (SUD) in women, utilising the Treatment Episode Data Set Admissions (TEDS-A) from the year 2020 (n = 497,175). A super learning model was constructed by combining the predictions of a Random Forest model and an XGBoost model. The model demonstrated promising predictive performance in predicting co-occurring MH and SUD in women with an AUC = 0.817, Accuracy = 0.751, Precision = 0.743, Recall = 0.926 and F1 Score = 0.825. The use of accurate prediction models can substantially facilitate the prompt identification and implementation of intervention strategies.

Destination Matters More: Relapse following Hospital-Based Treatment of Substance Use Disorders With and Without Co-Occurring Disorders

Objectives Addressing substance use in psychiatric care encounters significant barriers, but the emergence of specialized services offers an opportunity to advance and scale up the integration of addiction services within psychiatric settings. However, research gaps still exist in this field, particularly in understanding the substance relapse rates of people with co-occurring disorders after a psychiatric hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate and compare the relapse rates of patients under inpatient care with exclusively addiction-related issues and those with co-occurring disorders after a hospitalization in a psychiatric ward and gain insights into differences in outcomes for these two patient groups. Methods This retrospective analysis examined electronic medical records of patients admitted to the Acute Psychiatry Ward of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona with a substance use disorder diagnosis between January 2019 and February 2021. Cox regression was used to identify variables independently associated with the first relapse episode. Results From a total of 318 admissions (79.2% with psychiatric comorbidity), 76.1% relapsed during the study follow-up, with a median survival time of 54 days. Younger age, female gender, voluntary admission, and outpatient follow-up were independently associated with relapse. The presence of a co-occurring disorder was not associated with relapse. Conclusion This study highlights the need for interventions aimed at improving post-discharge abstinence rates for addiction-related hospitalizations. It also challenges the notion that co-occurring disorders automatically imply a worsened prognosis and emphasizes the importance of addressing addiction and psychiatric comorbidity in a comprehensive, integrated, and specialized manner.

Pragmatic competence in people with dual diagnosis: down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundPragmatics is an area that can be affected in a wide variety of disorders. In this sense, Syndromic Autism is defined as a disorder in which a causal link is established between an associated syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Likewise, Down Syndrome (DS) is one of the main genetically based syndromes in which ASD is described as one of its possible manifestations. In this direction, people with DS are described as social beings whereas in ASD there seems to be a specific alteration of this domain.MethodsIn this study, pragmatic performance was analysed in a sample of 72 participants, where comparisons were made between the scores obtained by children with ASD (n = 24), with DS (n = 24) and with DS + ASD (n = 24).ResultsThe Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Block Objective and Criterial Language Battery (BLOC-SR) and the Neuropsychology subtest (NEPSY-II) aimed at Theory of Mind (ToM) identified significant differences between the groups. However, two-to-two comparisons reported no significant differences between DS and DS + ASD.ConclusionsAlthough several studies report differences between the three proposed groups, our data seem to suggest that ASD symptomatology in DS is associated with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD). However, the lack of solid scientific evidence regarding comorbid diagnosis makes further research along these lines indispensable.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Social Research at UCLM with reference CEIS-704,511-L8M4.

Neurocognitive Concussion Test Performance for Student Athletes on the Autism Spectrum.

To examine baseline neurocognitive functioning among adolescent athletes on the autism spectrum based on self-reported level of academic performance. Participants in this cross-sectional, observational study were 6,441 adolescent athletes with a self-reported diagnosis of autism who completed pre-season neurocognitive testing using Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT); 4,742 reported a co-occurring learning disorder (LD), and 6,612 individuals without autism or LD were included as a control group. The majority (57%) self-reported Average Academic Performance, 39% Above Average, and 4% Below Average performance. Athletes with self-reported autism (with or without LD; 12.2%) were 2.74x (95% CI: 2.17-2.82) more likely to fall below cutoffs for ImPACT Embedded Invalidity Indicators (EVIs), with a significant interaction between self-reported Diagnosis and Academic Performance; individuals with co-occurring autism and LD who reported Below Average Academic Performance had the greatest likelihood of scoring below cutoffs (22%), followed by ASD without LD (14.8%) and Controls (14.6%) with Below Average Academic Performance. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed main effects of Diagnosis and Academic Performance on neurocognitive performance, with interactions on all ImPACT Composite Scores except Processing Speed. Athletes with self-reported ASD are more likely to fall below ImPACT EVIs and score worse on ImPACT, with greater likelihood/worse performance related to level of academic functioning. Academic performance should be considered when interpreting neurocognitive testing data, to best index neuropsychological functioning associated with concussion in this population. The current findings highlight the importance of individual participant baseline neuropsychological testing for individuals on the autism spectrum.

A common allele increases endometrial Wnt4 expression, with antagonistic implications for pregnancy, reproductive cancers, and endometriosis

The common human SNP rs3820282 is associated with multiple phenotypes including gestational length and likelihood of endometriosis and cancer, presenting a paradigmatic pleiotropic variant. Deleterious pleiotropic mutations cause the co-occurrence of disorders either within individuals, or across population. When adverse and advantageous effects are combined, pleiotropy can maintain high population frequencies of deleterious alleles. To reveal the causal molecular mechanisms of this pleiotropic SNP, we introduced this substitution into the mouse genome by CRISPR/Cas 9. Previous work showed that rs3820282 introduces a high-affinity estrogen receptor alpha-binding site at the Wnt4 locus. Here, we show that this mutation upregulates Wnt4 transcription in endometrial stroma, following the preovulatory estrogen peak. Effects on uterine transcription include downregulation of epithelial proliferation and induction of progesterone-regulated pro-implantation genes. We propose that these changes increase uterine permissiveness to embryo invasion, whereas they decrease resistance to invasion by cancer and endometriotic foci in other estrogen-responsive tissues.

RTMS for Co-occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders: Narrative Review and Future Directions

rTMS for Co-occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders: Narrative Review and Future Directions

C-peptide in diabetes: A player in a dual hormone disorder?

C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin synthesis believed to be biologically inert, is emerging as a multifunctional molecule. C-peptide serves an anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic role in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and early T2DM. C-peptide protects endothelial cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase α, thus suppressing the activity of NAD(P)H oxidase activity and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. It also prevents apoptosis by regulating hyperglycemia-induced p53 upregulation and mitochondrial adaptor p66shc overactivation, as well as reducing caspase-3 activity and promoting expression of B-cell lymphoma-2. Additionally, C-peptide suppresses platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-beta receptor and p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation. It also diminishes leukocyte adhesion by virtue of its capacity to abolish nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling, a major pro-inflammatory cascade. Consequently, it is envisaged that supplementation of C-peptide in T1DM might ameliorate or even prevent end-organ damage. In marked contrast, C-peptide increases monocyte recruitment and migration through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase)-mediated pathways, induces lipid accumulation via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ upregulation, and stimulates VSMC proliferation and CD4+ lymphocyte migration through Src-kinase and PI-3K dependent pathways. Thus, it promotes atherosclerosis and microvascular damage in late T2DM. Indeed, C-peptide is now contemplated as a potential biomarker for insulin resistance in T2DM and linked to increased coronary artery disease risk. This shift in the understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes from being a single hormone deficiency to a dual hormone disorder warrants a careful consideration of the role of C-peptide as a unique molecule with promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications.

Mental health facilities with eating disorder treatment programs and substance use disorder treatment in the United States

ABSTRACT Eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) often co-occur. However, not all providers that treat persons with an ED provide SUD treatment. Using the National Mental Health Services Survey, this study examined 1,387 ED treatment providers in the U.S. Facilities were categorized according to whether they provided SUD treatment. Differences based on facilities’ profit status, available treatment settings, payment options, and treatment services were examined. Most ED facilities in the sample offered SUD treatment services (67.2%). Differences in proportions of the facility type, availability of outpatient treatment, sliding fee scale payment option, whether the facility had a program for individuals with co-occurring mental health and SUD, couples/family therapy, dual disorders treatment, and if the facility provided telemedicine/telehealth were identified. Although most facilities in this sample offered SUD services, more should be done to increase such facilities’ capacity to provide treatment for co-occurring ED and SUD nationwide.

A mosquito’s bite is worse than its bark: a case report of pulmonary dual diagnosis

A mosquito’s bite is worse than its bark: a case report of pulmonary dual diagnosis

The Uniqueness of Albumin as a Carrier in Nano Drug Delivery

The quest for precision medicine hinges on targeted drug delivery, minimizing off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic impact. Among nanocarriers, albumin – the most abundant protein in human blood – emerges as a uniquely biocompatible stealth bomber. Its inherent advantages, including exceptional biodegradability, prolonged circulation, and natural affinity for diseased tissues, perfectly align with the goals of personalized medicine. Albumin readily solubilizes poorly soluble drugs, enhancing bioavailability and broadening the therapeutic arsenal. Its versatile surface allows for targeted modifications, enabling dual diagnosis and treatment (theranostics) tailored to individual needs. While challenges remain in optimizing drug loading and targeting specificity, albumin-based nanocarriers hold immense promise for revolutionizing personalized healthcare, delivering potent therapeutics with pinpoint accuracy. The burgeoning field of nanodrug delivery seeks to redefine therapeutic landscapes by engineering nanoscale carriers that meticulously deliver potent drugs to their designated targets, minimizing systemic exposure and maximizing therapeutic efficacy. This pursuit aligns perfectly with the burgeoning field of precision medicine, where personalized treatments demand exquisite control over drug delivery. Within this intricate choreography, albumin, the abundant and versatile protein resident in human plasma, emerges as a maestro, orchestrating a symphony of advantages that make it a prime candidate for nanocarrier construction.

Relationship between sleep alteration and cognitive deficit in children with ADHD associated with OSAS: the importance to take into account dual diagnosis in children sleep medicine

Relationship between sleep alteration and cognitive deficit in children with ADHD associated with OSAS: the importance to take into account dual diagnosis in children sleep medicine

Probabilities of Isolated and Co-Occurring Vestibular Disorder Symptom Clusters Identified Using the Dizziness Symptom Profile.

Dizziness is among the most common reasons people seek medical care. There are data indicating patients with dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo may have multiple underlying vestibular disorders simultaneously contributing to the overall symptoms. Greater awareness of the probability that a patient will present with symptoms of co-occurring vestibular disorders has the potential to improve assessment and management, which could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient quality of life. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the probabilities that a patient presenting to a clinic for vestibular function testing has symptoms of an isolated vestibular disorder or co-occurring vestibular disorders. All patients who are seen for vestibular function testing in our center complete the dizziness symptom profile, a validated self-report measure, before evaluation with the clinician. For this retrospective study, patient scores on the dizziness symptom profile, patient age, and patient gender were extracted from the medical record. The dizziness symptom profile includes symptom clusters specific to six disorders that cause vestibular symptoms, specifically: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, vestibular neuritis, superior canal dehiscence, Meniere disease, and persistent postural perceptual dizziness. For the present study, data were collected from 617 participants (mean age = 56 years, 376 women, and 241 men) presenting with complaints of vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance. Patients were evaluated in a tertiary care dizziness specialty clinic from October 2020 to October 2021. Self-report data were analyzed using a Bayesian framework to determine the probabilities of reporting symptom clusters specific to an isolated disorder and co-occurring vestibular disorders. There was a 42% probability of a participant reporting symptoms that were not consistent with any of the six vestibular disorders represented in the dizziness symptom profile. Participants were nearly as likely to report symptom clusters of co-occurring disorders (28%) as they were to report symptom clusters of an isolated disorder (30%). When in isolation, participants were most likely to report symptom clusters consistent with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular migraine, with estimated probabilities of 12% and 10%, respectively. The combination of co-occurring disorders with the highest probability was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo + vestibular migraine (~5%). Probabilities decreased as number of symptom clusters on the dizziness symptom profile increased. The probability of endorsing vestibular migraine increased with the number of symptom clusters reported. Many patients reported symptoms of more than one vestibular disorder, suggesting their symptoms were not sufficiently captured by the symptom clusters used to summarize any single vestibular disorder covered by the dizziness symptom profile. Our results indicate that probability of symptom clusters indicated by the dizziness symptom profile is comparable to prior published work on the prevalence of vestibular disorders. These findings support use of this tool by clinicians to assist with identification of symptom clusters consistent with isolated and co-occurring vestibular disorders.