It is known that in psychiatry, despite the introduction of standardized system, there is still a portion of diagnostic instability. This study aims to evaluate the stability of psychiatric diagnoses in a cohort of pa...It is known that in psychiatry, despite the introduction of standardized system, there is still a portion of diagnostic instability. This study aims to evaluate the stability of psychiatric diagnoses in a cohort of patients with dual diagnosis, under treatment of the Dependence Department of the Local Health Unit n.8 Veneto, Italy. 34 patients with opioid dependence, in treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, have been evaluated. They had participated to a previous study in 2006, in which psychiatric comorbidity was documented. These 34 patients have been retested with some of the tests already used in 2006： M.I.N.I. （for Axis I） and S.C.I.D. II （for Axis II）. The preceding evaluations and those current have been compared to assess the stability of psychiatric diagnosis. Almost all patients （95%） had at least a change of diagnosis. Psychoses are the most stable diagnoses. Also the substance use disorder is quite stable （80%）. Neuroses are more unstable. Personality disorders showed greater variability. Personality disorders appear more unstable in dual diagnosis. The diagnosis of personality disorder based on DSM, common in drug addicts, requires caution. Anyway, the longitudinal observation is important for a correct diagnosis.展开更多
文摘It is known that in psychiatry, despite the introduction of standardized system, there is still a portion of diagnostic instability. This study aims to evaluate the stability of psychiatric diagnoses in a cohort of patients with dual diagnosis, under treatment of the Dependence Department of the Local Health Unit n.8 Veneto, Italy. 34 patients with opioid dependence, in treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, have been evaluated. They had participated to a previous study in 2006, in which psychiatric comorbidity was documented. These 34 patients have been retested with some of the tests already used in 2006： M.I.N.I. （for Axis I） and S.C.I.D. II （for Axis II）. The preceding evaluations and those current have been compared to assess the stability of psychiatric diagnosis. Almost all patients （95%） had at least a change of diagnosis. Psychoses are the most stable diagnoses. Also the substance use disorder is quite stable （80%）. Neuroses are more unstable. Personality disorders showed greater variability. Personality disorders appear more unstable in dual diagnosis. The diagnosis of personality disorder based on DSM, common in drug addicts, requires caution. Anyway, the longitudinal observation is important for a correct diagnosis.
