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Article
The Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorder Among a Community Sample of Crack-Cocaine Users: An Exploratory Study with Practical Implications
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
  • Russel S. Falck, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Jichuan Wang, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Harvey A. Siegal, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Robert G. Carlson, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2004
Abstract

The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV was used to assess the lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorder among not-in-treatment crack cocaine users (N = 313). The most common dependencies involved cocaine (59.7%), alcohol (37.7%), and cannabis (12.1%). The most common nondependency disorders were antisocial personality disorder (ASPD; 24%), depression (17.8%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 11.8%). Comorbidity was present in 36.4% of the sample. Proportionately more white than black users were dependent on cocaine, alcohol, amphetamine, and sedative-hypnotics. More white than black users experienced ASPD, depression, PTSD, and attention deficit disorder. Proportionately fewer black users suffered comorbid disorders. Proportionately more men had ASPD, whereas more women had PTSD and phobias. Multinominal modeling revealed that black users and users with a high school education were less likely to have comorbid disorders; married users were less likely to have nondependency disorders. White crack users were more likely to have comorbidity, complicating their treatment.

Citation Information
Russel S. Falck, Jichuan Wang, Harvey A. Siegal and Robert G. Carlson. "The Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorder Among a Community Sample of Crack-Cocaine Users: An Exploratory Study with Practical Implications" The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease Vol. 192 Iss. 7 (2004) p. 503 - 507 ISSN: 0022-3018
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_carlson/89/