Title: A Study of Trends in the Prevalence and Pattern of Non Medical use of Dependence Producing Drugs among Discharged Male Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Shilpy Vardhan, MA, Rigvardhan, MD, Nikhilesh Kumar, MD, Kamaldeep Verma, B.Ed
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i5.138
Abstract
Objective: In India the use of psychoactive dependence-producing drugs (DPD) for recreational, medical and social purpose probably goes back to prehistoric times. However, DPD also cause numerous mental and physical disabilities. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of the non medical use of D.PD among psychiatric patients and pattern and prevalence of various substances abuse.
Material and Methods: It was a retrospective study wherein data from 2015 to 2017 of 1529 discharged male psychiatric patients was assessed and collated. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 15.0 statistical Analysis Software.
Results: Majority of the patients were of schizophrenia followed by maniac depressive psychosis. Majority were multiple drug users followed by cannabis. Statistically significant increase was seen in alcohol abuse.
Conclusion: Prevalence, pattern and trend of non-medical use of dependence producing drugs among male discharged psychiatric patients over the years was more or less similar. Multiple drug abuse was the commonest substance. However, trend of multiple drugs was found to have decreased. Alcohol abuse is showing a rising trend. Schizophrenia was the most common diagnosis.
Keywords: psychosis, dependence producing drug, abuse.
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