Prevalence Of Anxiety Disorder In Patients With Substance Use Disorder In Southern Rajasthan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.518Keywords:
Anxiety, Substance Use Disorder, Prevalence, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Rehabilitation, ComorbidAbstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of anxiety disorders among patients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Given the high comorbidity of mental health conditions in SUD populations, understanding the extent of anxiety disorders is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 patients diagnosed with substance use disorder attending Psychiatry Department of American International Institute Of Medical Sciences Udaipur, Rajasthan. Data were collected using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale for assessing anxiety severity. Sociodemographic information, such as age, gender, type of substance used, and duration of substance use, was also recorded.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients who have given written informed consent.
- Patients of any gender, aged 18 years or old diagnosed with substance use disorder.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with known psychiatric comorbidity.
- Patients having organic anxiety disorder.
Results: Among the 100 participants, 70% exhibited symptoms of anxiety. Of these, 35% had moderate anxiety, 20% had severe anxiety, and 15% reported mild anxiety symptoms. The remaining 30% showed no significant anxiety symptoms. A significant association was found between the severity of anxiety and the duration of substance use (p<0.05), with longer histories of use correlating with higher anxiety severity. Alcohol and opioid users had the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of anxiety among patients with substance use disorder. The findings suggest that anxiety should be routinely assessed in this population, and integrated treatment approaches addressing both substance use and anxiety are essential for improving overall patient outcomes.
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