Relationship between anxiety disorders and opiate dependence— A systematic review of the literature

1. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2010 Apr;38(3):220-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2009.12.003.
Epub 2010 Feb 8.

Relationship between anxiety disorders and opiate dependence–a systematic
review of the literature: implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Fatséas M(1), Denis C, Lavie E, Auriacombe M.

Author information:
(1)Laboratoire de Psychiatrie and EA 4139, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2,
INSERM-IFR-99, Bordeaux, France (EU).

Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence and temporal sequence of
co-occurrence of anxiety disorders with opiate dependence in order to better
define the relationship between these two disorders and to improve diagnosis and
treatment. The search used Medline and Toxibase up to January 1, 2009, and was
based on a systematic review method. Eighteen studies were found. Prevalence of
anxiety disorders assessed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria was high in opiate-dependent treated
persons (lifetime prevalence ranged from 26% to 35%). Among anxiety disorders,
phobic disorders have been shown to often precede the onset of opiate
dependence. The identification of substance-induced versus independent anxiety
disorder has important treatment implication. The monitoring of anxiety symptoms
after several weeks of abstinence may allow physicians to determine the
relationship between dependence and anxiety and make a reliable diagnosis of any
initial anxious disorder. Specific management of anxiety disorder may then be
used.

Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2009.12.003
PMID: 20116963 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Auteurs Bordeaux Neurocampus