Who Seeks Treatment for Dual Disorders? Observations from a Dual Disorder Clinic at the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre in India Over a 12 Year Period

Background There is limited literature available on the diagnosis and treatment of dual disorders in non-western settings. Objectives The present study aims to describe the profile of patients diagnosed at a dual disorders clinic over a period of 12 years. Patients and Methods This retrospective study analyzed the case records of patients registered in the dual diagnosis clinic of the national drug dependence treatment centre (NDDTC) in Ghaziabad. Information relating to the demographics of the sample, substance use disorders, and psychiatric disorders were extracted from the case records. The association between the use of specific substances and psychiatric illnesses was assessed. Results The study included 492 patients, the majority of whom were male, married, and employed. Psychotic disorders were the largest category among the comorbid psychiatric disorders (38.7%), followed by depressive disorders (27.5%), and bipolar disorders (20.0%). Among the patients with primarily psychotic disorders, 40.8% were deemed to have substance-induced psychosis. Cannabis use had greater odds of being associated with psychotic disorders, opiates and benzodiazepines with depressive disorders, and alcohol with anxiety disorders. Conclusions The establishment of a dual diagnosis clinic offers an opportunity to gain further insights into the characteristics of patients diagnosed with dual disorders. It may also offer opportunities for training health-care personnel, evaluating specific treatment approaches, and providing comprehensive services customized to the patients’ needs.