Short-term outcomes of mothers and newborn infants with comorbid psychiatric disorders and drug dependency
Date
2009
Authors
Oei, Ju Lee
Mohamed, Abdel-Latif
Craig, Fiona
Kee, Aivy
Austin, Marie-Paule
Lui, Kei
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SAGE Publications
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics and short-term outcomes of mother-infant pairs with comorbid drug dependency and psychiatric disorders. Methods: A population-based retrospective chart review was carried out of 879 drug-dependent mother and infant pairs in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who delivered between 1 January and 31 December 2004. Results: Psychiatric comorbidity (dual diagnosis, DD) was identified in 396 (45%) of the 879 drug-dependent women. DSM-IV depression (79%), followed by anxiety (20%), was most prevalent. DD women were more likely to use amphetamines (29% vs 18%, p < 0.05), less likely to use opiates (42% vs 51%, p < 0.05) and to have had no antenatal care (24% vs 8%, p <0.05). They also had more previous pregnancies (4, range = 2-5 vs 3, range = 2-5, p <0.05) and domestic violence (29% vs 14%, p <0.05) was more common. DD infants were less likely to be admitted to a nursery (47% vs 55%, p <0.05). Withdrawal scores were similar (maximum median Finnegan scores = 4 (interquartile range = 3-8) vs 10 (interquartile range = 7-12, p = 0.30) but fewer needed withdrawal medication (19% vs 27%, p <0.05). Maternal psychotropic agents did not worsen the severity of neonatal withdrawal. Conclusions: Psychiatric comorbidity, especially depression, is common and affects almost half of drug-using mothers. Antenatal care, drug use and social outcomes are worse for DD mothers and their infants. It is recommended that all drug-using women be assessed antenatally for psychosocial disorders so that timely mental health intervention can be offered, if required.
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Keywords: amphetamine; opiate; psychotropic agent; amphetamine derivative; psychotropic agent; adult; anxiety disorder; article; Australia; child health; comorbidity; depression; diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders; domestic violence; drug depende Drug use; Maternal and neonatal outcome; Psychiatric comorbidity
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Source
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
Type
Journal article
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2037-12-31
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