Drug abuse in schizophrenic patients: clinical correlates and reasons for use

Article Abstract:

In order to determine the extent, prevalence and effects of drug abuse among psychotic patients, 68 schizophrenic, 12 schizoaffective, and 3 schizophreniform hospitalized adult patients were studied. Patients who abused drugs or alcohol within six months prior to admission were defined as recent abusers. Those in remission were labeled as past abusers. Forty of the 83 patients were diagnosed as drug abusers or drug dependent. Twenty-six of the patients primarily abused marijuana, 21 were alcoholics, and 14 also used cocaine. Sixty-five percent of the substance-abusing patients came from substance-abusing families, while only 12 percent of the non-substance abusing patients did. No differences were found between substance-abusing and nonabusing groups in terms of symptoms at admission. However, at discharge, substance-abusing patients demonstrated less severe symptoms and had significantly lower ratings of thought disorder, paranoia and general suspiciousness than nonabusing patients. Upon discharge, recent abusers demonstrated significantly lower thought disorder scores than both past and nonabusers. Both recent and past substance abusers had significantly less mood blunting and were generally more energetic than the nonabusing patients at discharge. It has not been determined whether enforced abstinence during hospitalization influenced these findings, or whether the ''social skills'' and motivation inherent in the ability to obtain illicit drugs are qualities that differentiate subgroups of patients, or whether the combination of substance abuse and schizophrenia-related disorders masks less severe cases of psychosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Substance abuse, Drug use, Schizophrenia, Schizophrenics

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CSF gamma-aminobutyric acid in alcoholics and control subjects

Article Abstract:

The effect of alcohol on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is found in the brain and nervous system, has not been fully explored. This GABA system is thought to have a role in anxiety. Previous research indicates that alcohol has nonspecific effects on the cell membranes, and also affects the binding site in the complex which involves GABA, benzodiazepine (a tranquilizer), and chloride. Alcoholics are known to have a higher incidence of anxiety disorders. It was hypothesized that alcoholic patients and control subjects would have significantly different levels of GABA in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Levels of GABA were determined by using an ion-exchange chromatography test combined with fluorometric detection methods. The subjects consisted of 53 alcoholics and 22 nonalcoholic controls. The alcoholics had been withdrawn from alcohol for a minimum of three weeks prior to the collection of data. When the two groups were compared, no significant differences were observed in GABA levels in the CSF. Within the alcoholic group, there were no differences in the GABA levels between those patients who had histories of withdrawal seizures and those who did not. Statistical analysis indicated that a larger sampling would be required to obtain more than a preliminary conclusion from the data. Also, results obtained for CSF GABA in alcoholics in various phases, such as during withdrawal or intoxication, may be different. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Measurement, Physiological aspects, Alcoholism, GABA

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