Patología Dual y rasgos de personalidad:situación actual y líneas futuras de trabajo

Dual diagnosis (DD) is the co-occurrence, in the same person, of a mental disorder (MD) and a substance use disorder (SUD). Nowadays, the study of the personality with DD is realized mainly from a categorical view, focusing on the detection of personality disorders and not on the traits associated to DD and the possible differential profile compared to those patients with only MD or SUD. Studies analyzing personality traits of patients with DD and their possible differential profile are very limited. However, existing data indicates that DD patients show higher levels of Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, Harm Avoidance and Neuroticism; and lower levels of Persistence, Self-Direction, Self-Transcendence and Cooperation. Therefore, DD is associated to personality characteristics that suggest more disruptive behaviors, fewer resources for recovering and keeping abstinent and worse prognosis compared to those with only one disorder. Progress in the characterization of personality traits in DD, taking into consideration the methodological aspects to be improved could allow better adaptation of the integrated treatment of these patients in the future

Health-related quality of life in male patients under treatment for substance use disorders with and without major depressive disorder: Influence in clinical course at one-year follow-up

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment has interest as an indicator of degree of affectation and prognosis in mental disorders. HRQoL is impaired in both Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), two conditions highly prevalent, although less studied when both are coexisting (SUD + MDD). Hence, we decided to explore HRQoL with the SF-36 survey in a sample of 123 SUD and 114 SUD + MDD patients (51 symptomatic and 63 asymptomatic of depressive symptoms) under treatment. We performed analyses to examine HRQoL among groups, and its predictive value at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups through regression models. Patients with SUD + MDD had worse HRQoL than SUD patients and population norms. For Mental Health, Vitality, and General Health dimensions, lower scores were observed for SUD + MDD regardless the presence/absence of depressive symptoms. For Physical Functioning and Health Change, depressive symptomatology and not the comorbidity of SUD + MDD diagnoses explained HRQoL limitations. At 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups we observed two predictors of relapses, General Health for asymptomatic SUD + MDD, and Physical Functioning for SUD. Improving HRQoL in SUD + MDD may be targeted during patient's treatment; future studies should explore the influence of HRQoL on patient's prognosis taking into account the presence/absence of depressive symptomatology

Temperament and character profile and its clinical correlates in male patients with dual schizophrenia

Personality traits are relevant in understanding substance use disorders (SUD) and schizophrenia (SZ), but few works have also included patients with dual schizophrenia (SZ+) and personality traits. We explored personality profile in a sample of 165 male patients under treatment, using the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised. The participants were assigned to three groups of 55 patients each, according to previous diagnosis: SUD, SZ- and SZ+ (without/with SUD). We analyzed their clinical characteristics, relating them to personality dimensions. The SUD and SZ+ groups scored higher than SZ- in Novelty/Sensation Seeking. SZ- and SZ+ presented higher Harm Avoidance and lower Persistence than the SUD group. SZ+ patients showed the lowest levels of Self-directedness, while SZ- and SZ+ had higher scores in Self-transcendence than the SUD group. Several clinical characteristics were associated with personality dimensions depending on diagnosis, and remarkably so for psychiatric symptoms in the SZ- and SZ+ groups. The three groups had a maladaptive personality profile compared to general population. Our results point to different profiles for SUD versus SZ, while both profiles appear combined in the SZ+ group, with extreme scores in some traits. Thus, considering personality endophenotypes in SZ+ could help in designing individualized interventions for this group

Circadian functioning and quality of life in substance use disorder patients with and without comorbid major depressive disorder

Aim: Although a relationship between circadian disruption and development of several psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorder (SUD), has been observed, knowledge on this area is scarce yet. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the circadian functioning and quality of life (QOL) in SUD patients with and without comorbid MDD, two highly prevalent clinical entities with difficult therapeutic management. Methods: One hundred sixty-three male patients under treatment, 81 with SUD and 82 with SUD comorbid major depressive disorder (SUD + MDD), were evaluated. For the circadian functioning assessment, we calculated Social Jet Lag (SJL) and used the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). QOL was measured using the shortened version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). We collected sociodemographic and clinical variables to evaluate their possible influence on the circadian functioning. Intergroup differences among the variables were examined by different analyses of covariance (ANCOVA and MANCOVA). The possible relationships of quantitative clinical variables with rMEQ, PSQI, and WHOQOL-BREF were explored using bivariate correlation analysis. Results: Lower SJL appears in the SUD + MDD group compared with SUD. The intermediate-type was more prevalent in the SUD group, while a higher percentage of morning-type patients was found in the SUD + MDD. Sleep quality (including latency and daytime dysfunction) was worse for SUD + MDD patients than for SUD even after controlling age and age of SUD onset variables. Last, QOL was poorer in patients with SUD + MDD and, for them, psychological health had a negative relationship with SJL and severity of depression. Conclusions: Our data support and extend previous findings indicating that SUD + MDD is associated with worse clinical characteristics, more sleep problems, and poorer QOL than SUD patients. These results underline the importance of a precise assessment of these measurements in future studies conducted in SUD patients with/without MDD comorbidity that could be considered from a therapeutic point of view

Patients with Schizophrenia Showed Worse Cognitive Performance than Bipolar and Major Depressive Disorder in a Sample with Comorbid Substance Use Disorders

Comorbidity of substance use disorders (SUD) and severe mental illness (SMI) is highly frequent in patients, the most common diagnoses being schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Since comorbidity has its own clinical features, and neurocognitive functioning is not always similar to psychiatric symptoms the present study explores the cognitive performance of patients with dual disorders. A neuropsychological battery of tests was used to assess 120 under treatment male patients, 40 for each group considered (SZ + SUD, BD + SUD and MDD + SUD) who were mainly polyconsumers. Significant differences (with premorbid IQ as a covariate) were found among the groups, with SZ + SUD having a worse performance in attention, verbal learning, short term memory and recognition. The consideration of a global Z score for performance evidenced an impaired neurocognitive pattern for SZ + SUD compared with BD + SUD and MDD + SUD. According to norms, all patients showed difficulties in verbal learning, short-term memory and recognition. Our research indicated that the neurocognitive functioning of dual disorder patients was influenced by the comorbid SMI, with SZ + SUD presenting major difficulties. Future studies should thoroughly explore the role of such difficulties as indicators or endophenotypes for dual schizophrenia disorders, and their usefulness for prevention and treatment.This research was funded by the grant PID2020-117767GB-I00 of Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the Generalitat de Catalunya (2017SGR-748). Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Casos clínics. Assignatura de Psicofarmacologia

Casos clínics, Assignatura de Psicofarmacologia, Obligatòria del Grau de Psicologi

Coping Strategies in Male Patients under Treatment for Substance Use Disorders and/or Severe Mental Illness: Influence in Clinical Course at One-Year Follow-Up

Coping strategies have an impact on substance use disorders (SUD), relapses, and clinical variables, but knowledge on this area is scarce. We explored the coping strategies used during treatment in patients with dual diagnosis (DD), SUD, and severe mental illness (SMI), and the relation with clinical course and relapses at one-year follow-up. A sample of 223 patients was divided into three groups depending on diagnosis: DD (N = 80; SUD with comorbid schizophrenia or major depressive disorder), SUD only (N = 80), and SMI only (N = 63; schizophrenia or major depressive disorder). MANCOVA analyses reflected differences in self-criticism and problem avoidance, with a higher use of these in the DD and SUD groups. The coping strategies used differed depending on the presence/absence of a SUD, but not depending on psychiatric diagnosis. At one-year follow-up, social support was the only strategy that predicted the presence of relapses in DD patients with schizophrenia (positively), and in SMI patients with major depressive disorder (negatively). Thus, social support was associated with relapses, but the relationship was different depending on psychiatric diagnosis. Further studies should analyze the implications of social support as a coping strategy in different mental disorders, as well as its usefulness in individualized interventions

Personality in patients with dual diagnosis: The influence of severe mental illness

[eng] Dual Diagnosis (DD) refers to the co-existence of a Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the same individual. The comorbid prevalence of these two diagnoses is very common, with Schizophrenia (SZ), Bipolar Disorder (BD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as the three most prevalent SMI among patients with SUD. The co-existence of SUD and these SMIs includes several clinical characteristics, related to evolution and prognosis, which may complicate a patient`s recovery from both disorders. However, nowadays there is an evident need to carry out studies that provide both theoretical and practical knowledge transferable to the clinical management of patients with DD. The present study aimed, as the first objective, to study personality characteristics in a sample of patients with SUD taking into account their comorbid SMI. We evaluated a sample of 104 male patients undergoing SUD treatment, considered in three groups according to the comorbid SMI: SZ+ Group (SUD and SZ; N=37), BD+ Group (SUD and BD, N=32), and MDD+ Group (SUD and MDD; N=35). Two instruments were used to measure personality, the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R) and the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnarie (ZKPQ), both based on psychobiological models. In addition, we explored the influence of the SMI in the relationship among personality and clinical variables related to both SUD and SMI diagnoses. Our second objective was to explore the influence of DD in the coping strategies used in relation to addiction treatment. SUD treatment represents a challenging situation for all patients, but given DD clinical complications, we studied the possible differential profile in the coping strategies used between patients with SZ+ (the most prevalent diagnosis in our sample) and SUD only. To elucidate the influence of comorbidity, a sample of 89 male patients undergoing treatment for addiction was included and distributed in two groups: SZ+ Group (SUD and SZ; N=39) and SUD Group (SUD only; N=43); these patients were assessed using the Coping Strategies Inventory (CS) from Tobin and completed an exhaustive clinical evaluation as well. The main personality results indicate that patients with SZ+ are characterized by an increased anxiety and fear of uncertainty (high Harm Avoidance from the TCI-R), difficulties in persevering when facing frustration and fatigue (lower Persistence from TCI-R), and the preference for solitary activities or small groups (lower Sociability from ZKPQ). Our findings suggest that patients with SZ+ are the ones who would especially need strategies to manage negative expectations and anxiety, motivational strategies, and if possible, a gradual incorporation to the group therapy sessions used during SUD treatment. Regarding personality characteristics for patients with BD+, these are characterized by an exploratory activity in response to novel stimulation, being more impulsive, getting easily bored, and by the willingness to experiment strong emotions for the sake of these types of experiences (high Novelty Seeking from the TCI-R and Impulsivity- Sensation Seeking from the ZKPQ). In addition, BD+ diagnosis is highlighted by a higher level of worries, fears, tension, and general emotional upset (high Neuroticism-Anxiety from the ZKPQ). Therefore, patients with BD+ are the ones who would require a therapeutic approach which emphasizes impulsivity management, as well as, achieving the general activity and stimulation they require. Finally, considering patients with MDD+, these are characterized by being more pragmatic, realistic, having an unstable self-image, and an erratic world-view (lower Self-transcendence from the TCI-R). Taking also into account that in previous studies a lower Self-transcendence is linked to worse general well-being and dropping-out SUD treatment, it may be suggested that interventions with MDD+ patients could benefit from therapeutic strategies that aim to increase creativity and spirituality, which are both associated with a higher Self-transcendence. With regards to the main relationships founded among personality and SUD and SMI clinical variables, we observed that such relationships are also influenced by the type of comorbid SMI. Results from the TCI-R indicate that higher scores in Novelty Seeking for patients with BD+ are related to a higher severity of addiction. Harm Avoidance is only linked to clinical variables for patients with SZ+, with a higher Harm Avoidance in patients having a greater presence of negative symptoms and general psychopathology. While Persistence did not show any clinical implications for none of the groups, Self- transcendence only showed clinical implications for the MDD+ group, in which a later age of SUD onset is associated with a lower Self-transcendence. Regarding results from the ZKPQ, we observed a positive relationship between Neuroticism-Anxiety and manic symptoms for patients with BD+, and the number of suicide attempts for patients with SZ+. Lastly, a higher Sociability is related to a later age of SUD onset for patients with SZ+, and to a later age of SMI onset for patients with MDD+. The study about coping strategies using the CSI in patients with SZ+, revealed that they are less likely to employ Engagement Strategies (Problem Solving and Social Support) and they have a lower self-perceived capacity to cope with treatment, compared with patients with SUD only. Among patients with SZ+, a major use of the Problem Solving strategy is related to a later age of SUD onset, and the self-perceived capacity to cope with treatment is negatively linked to severity of addiction and to positive symptoms. According to normative data, both groups (SUD and SZ+) use the Disengagement Strategy of Self-Criticism frequently; although the use of Self-Criticism was lower for patients with SZ+. Additionally, a higher use of Self-Criticism is related to a higher daily amount of medications for the SZ+ group. Hence, the presence of DD is associated with a lower use of active coping strategies and points to the need of training problem solving strategies, as well as, abilities to seek for social support during SUD treatment of patients with SZ+. Working on these two strategies could potentially improve treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, the findings of this thesis showed that patients with DD have different personality characteristics depending on their comorbid SMI diagnosis. Moreover, the relationship among personality and SUD and SMI clinical variables is also influenced by the type of SMI. Our findings extend to the DD field previous data about personality dimensions as potential endophenotypes for SZ (high Harm Avoidance) and BD (high impulsivity). Likewise, we observed the potential endophenotypes for developing an addiction (high Novelty Seeking and Impulsivity-Sensation Seeking, which are suggested especially for alcohol SUD) in polydrug users, regardless of the main SUD´s substance and adding nuances according to the comorbid SMI. On the other hand, a lower use of active coping strategies in relation to addiction treatment for patients with SZ+ extends to the DD field previous observations done in patients with SUD only and with SZ. Our data point to the potential usefulness of working different aspects, related to personality and coping, during DD treatment considering the comorbid SMI. However, future research is needed to advance in those lines of research, as well as, to overcome the limitations of our work. Additional studies should include a clinical, personality, and coping assessment, and longitudinal measures combined with objective data such as genetic polymorphisms and functional neuroimaging.[spa] El concepto de Patología Dual (PD) hace referencia a la concurrencia de un Trastorno Mental (TM) y un Trastorno por Uso de Sustancias (TUS) en una misma persona. La prevalencia conjunta de estos dos diagnósticos es muy frecuente, siendo los tres TM severos comórbidos más prevalentes en pacientes con TUS la Esquizofrenia (SZ), el Trastorno Bipolar (TB) y el Trastorno Depresivo Mayor (TDM). La coexistencia del TUS y estos TMs conlleva una serie de características clínicas, de evolución y pronóstico, que dificultan la recuperación del paciente en ambos trastornos. Sin embargo, en la actualidad existe una necesidad evidente de realizar estudios que aporten tanto conocimiento teórico como trasladable al manejo clínico de los pacientes con PD. El presente trabajo se propuso, como primer objetivo, estudiar las características de personalidad en una muestra de pacientes con TUS atendiendo al diagnóstico de TM severo comórbido. Evaluamos una muestra de 104 pacientes hombres en tratamiento para el TUS, considerados en tres grupos según el diagnóstico de TM severo comórbido: Grupo SZ+ (TUS y SZ; N=37), Grupo TB+ (TUS y TB; N=32) y Grupo TDM+ (TUS y TDM; N=35). Se utilizaron dos instrumentos de medición de la personalidad, el Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R) de Cloninger y el Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnarie (ZKPQ), ambos basados en modelos psicobiológicos. Además, se exploró la influencia del TM en la relación entre personalidad y variables clínicas tanto del TUS como del TM. Nuestro segundo objetivo consistió en explorar la influencia de la PD en las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas en relación al tratamiento de la adicción. El tratamiento para el TUS representa un desafío para todos los pacientes, pero dadas las complicaciones clínicas de la PD se estudió el posible perfil diferencial de las estrategias de afrontamiento entre pacientes con SZ+ (diagnóstico más prevalente en nuestra muestra) y con sólo TUS. Para elucidar la influencia de la comorbilidad, se incluyó una muestra de 89 pacientes hombres en tratamiento para la adicción considerados en dos grupos: Grupo SZ+ (TUS y SZ; N=39) y Grupo TUS (N=43), a quienes se les aplicó el Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) de Tobin junto con una exhaustiva evaluación clínica. Los principales resultados sobre personalidad indican que los pacientes con SZ+ destacan por una mayor ansiedad y temor a la incertidumbre (elevada Evitación del Riesgo del TCI-R), dificultad para perseverar ante la frustración y la fatiga (menor Persistencia del TCI-R) y preferencia por actividades en solitario o en grupos pequeños (menor Sociabilidad del ZKPQ). Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que los pacientes con SZ+ son quienes necesitarían especialmente de estrategias de manejo de expectativas negativas y ansiedad, de estrategias motivacionales y, siempre que sea posible, una incorporación paulatina a las sesiones grupales utilizadas durante el tratamiento para el TUS. Respecto a las características de personalidad de los pacientes con TB+, éstos destacan por la excitación frente a estímulos novedosos, ser más impulsivos, aburrirse fácilmente y poseer una necesidad de experimentar sensaciones fuertes por el mero hecho de vivirlas (elevadas Búsqueda de Novedad del TCI- R e Impulsividad-Búsqueda de Sensaciones del ZKPQ). Además, el diagnóstico de TB+ destaca por un mayor nivel de preocupaciones, miedos, tensión y malestar general (elevado Neuroticismo-Ansiedad del ZKPQ). Por tanto, serían especialmente los pacientes con TB+ quienes requieren de un énfasis terapéutico en el manejo de la impulsividad y en la búsqueda de la activación y estimulación que necesitan. Finalmente atendiendo a pacientes con TDM+, éstos se caracterizan por ser más pragmáticos, realistas, poseer una imagen más inestable de sí mismos y una visión más errática del mundo (menor Trascendencia del TCI-R). Considerando además que en estudios previos se ha relacionado una menor Trascendencia con peor bienestar general y con el abandono del tratamiento para el TUS, cabe sugerir que las intervenciones con estos pacientes se podrían beneficiar de incluir estrategias terapéuticas que incrementen la creatividad y la espiritualidad, ambas asociadas a una mayor Trascendencia. Respecto a las principales relaciones encontradas entre personalidad y variables clínicas del TUS y del TM, observamos que éstas también se hallan influenciadas por el tipo de TM severo comórbido. Los resultados del TCI-R indican que las puntuaciones superiores en Búsqueda de Novedad de los pacientes con TB+ se asocian a una mayor gravedad de la adicción. La Evitación del Riesgo sólo se relacionó con variables clínicas en pacientes con SZ+, siendo ésta más elevada cuanto mayor es la presencia de síntomas psicóticos negativos y de psicopatología general. Mientras que la Persistencia no mostró relaciones con variables clínicas en ningún grupo, la Trascendencia sólo mostró implicaciones clínicas en el grupo con TDM+, en el cual, una mayor edad de inicio del TUS se asoció a una menor Trascendencia. Respecto a los datos aportados por el ZKPQ, observamos una relación positiva entre el Neuroticismo-Ansiedad y la presencia de síntomas maníacos en pacientes con TB+, así como con la cantidad de intentos de suicidio en pacientes con SZ+. Finalmente, una mayor Sociabilidad se relaciona con una edad más tardía de inicio del TUS en pacientes con SZ+ y de inicio del TM en pacientes con TDM+. El estudio de estrategias de afrontamiento mediante el CSI en pacientes con SZ+ mostró que éstos utilizan con menor frecuencia estrategias de Manejo Adecuado del problema (Resolución de Problemas y Apoyo Social), y perciben que tienen menor capacidad para afrontar el tratamiento respecto a pacientes con sólo TUS. En pacientes con SZ+ un mayor uso de la estrategia de Resolución de Problemas se relaciona con una edad de inicio de TUS más tardía, y la capacidad para afrontar el tratamiento se asocia negativamente a la gravedad de la adicción y a los síntomas psicóticos positivos. Según baremos normativos ambos grupos (TUS y SZ+) recurrían muy frecuentemente a la estrategia de Manejo Inadecuado de Autocrítica, aunque su uso era menor en pacientes con SZ+. Además, una mayor Autocrítica se relaciona con más cantidad diaria de medicación en SZ+. Por tanto, la presencia de PD se vincula a un afrontamiento del tratamiento para la adicción menos activo y apunta a la necesidad de entrenar a los pacientes con SZ+ en el uso de estrategias de resolución de problemas y búsqueda de apoyo social durante su tratamiento para el TUS, pudiendo ello mejorar tanto la adherencia como la respuesta terapéutica. Como conclusión, los hallazgos de esta tesis muestran que los pacientes con PD difieren en las características de personalidad según su diagnóstico de TM severo comórbido. Además, la relación entre la personalidad y las variables clínicas del TUS y TM también se halla modulada por el tipo de TM. Nuestros resultados extienden al ámbito de la PD los datos previos sobre dimensiones de personalidad como posibles endofenotipos de la SZ (elevada Evitación del Riesgo) y del TB (elevada impulsividad). Así mismo, los posibles endofenotipos de personalidad para el desarrollo de la adicción (elevadas Búsqueda de Novedad e Impulsividad-Búsqueda de Sensaciones, que se sugieren especialmente para el TUS por alcohol) los observamos en pacientes policonsumidores, con independencia del tipo de sustancia principal del TUS, añadiendo matices según el TM severo comórbido. Por otra parte, el menor uso de estrategias de afrontamiento activas en relación al tratamiento de la adicción en pacientes con SZ+ extiende al ámbito de la PD observaciones previas realizadas en pacientes con TUS y con SZ. Los datos apuntan a la posible utilidad de trabajar aspectos diferenciales, relacionados con la personalidad y el afrontamiento, durante el tratamiento de la PD atendiendo al TM severo comórbido. Sin embargo, para poder progresar en esta área y superar las limitaciones de nuestros estudios, se requieren futuras investigaciones que, junto con la evaluación clínica, de personalidad y afrontamiento, incluyan registros longitudinales y medidas objetivas como polimorfismos genéticos y de neuroimagen funcional

Patología Dual y rasgos de personalidad:situación actual y líneas futuras de trabajo

Dual diagnosis (DD) is the co-occurrence, in the same person, of a mental disorder (MD) and a substance use disorder (SUD). Nowadays, the study of the personality with DD is realized mainly from a categorical view, focusing on the detection of personality disorders and not on the traits associated to DD and the possible differential profile compared to those patients with only MD or SUD. Studies analyzing personality traits of patients with DD and their possible differential profile are very limited. However, existing data indicates that DD patients show higher levels of Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, Harm Avoidance and Neuroticism; and lower levels of Persistence, Self-Direction, Self-Transcendence and Cooperation. Therefore, DD is associated to personality characteristics that suggest more disruptive behaviors, fewer resources for recovering and keeping abstinent and worse prognosis compared to those with only one disorder. Progress in the characterization of personality traits in DD, taking into consideration the methodological aspects to be improved could allow better adaptation of the integrated treatment of these patients in the future