6ER-036 Substance abuse in patients with schizophrenic or bipolar disorder

<h3>Background and Importance</h3> Substance abuse is a common comorbidity in patients with severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The interaction between these conditions and substance use complicates diagnosis and treatment, as it can worsen symptoms and affect management. <h3>Aim and Objectives</h3> This study explores the prevalence of substance abuse in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in a psychiatric unit. It examines differences in substance use by sex, diagnosis, and type of substance consumed, alongside the presence of psychotic episodes before diagnosis. These findings offer insights into comorbidity patterns and their clinical implications. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> This 1 year retrospective observational study (January to December 2023) was conducted at a 450-bed university hospital. It included patients admitted to the psychiatric unit (acute and subacute) diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and/or documented substance abuse. Data from medical records included sex, birthdate, diagnosis type, diagnosis date, substance use (alcohol, opioids, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens, others), age of substance use onset, and history of psychotic episodes before diagnosis. Patients missing any information were excluded. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using frequencies for categorical variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 246 patients were included: 157 (63.8%) men and 89 (36.2%) women, with a mean age of 47 ± 14 years. Of these, 149 (60.6%) had a psychiatric diagnosis: 94 (63.1%) with schizophrenia and 55 (36.9%) with bipolar disorder. Among schizophrenia patients, 60.6% were men, while among bipolar patients, 58.2% were women. Substance abuse was reported by 103 (69.1%) patients, with a mean onset age of 17 ± 4 years. Alcohol (79.6%), cannabis (78.6%), and cocaine (53.4%) were most frequently used. Polysubstance use was common, especially in schizophrenia patients (72.7%). Prior psychotic episodes were found in 61.9% of schizophrenia patients and 50.0% of bipolar patients. <h3>Conclusion and Relevance</h3> There is a high prevalence of substance abuse in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, particularly among men and schizophrenia patients. Polysubstance use and prior psychotic episodes were more common in schizophrenia patients. It is important to understand the dynamics of substance abuse in schizophrenic and bipolar patients for a comprehensive approach to managing their conditions. <h3>References and/or Acknowledgements</h3> <h3>Conflict of Interest</h3> No conflict of interest