[Co-morbidity: psychiatric disorder of opiate addicts at entry into heroin-assisted treatment].

OBJECTIVE

The present paper describes the type and prevalence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders in a group of opioid dependent addicts.

METHODS

In 17 Swiss centres for heroin-assisted treatment 85 opiate addicts were assessed at entry using the SKID interview.

RESULTS

Lifetime prevalence of co-morbid Axis I or Axis II disorders was 86 %. Most frequently patients were diagnosed with a personality disorder (58 %). Second frequently were mood disorders with a prevalence of 55 %, followed by anxiety disorders with a prevalence of 26 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders indicate the urgent necessity to further develop and adapt health services for opioid addicts.