Relationship of Comorbid Substance and Alcohol Use Disorders to Disability among Patients in Routine Psychiatric Practice

The primary aim of this study was to present data on the relationship of mental and comorbid substance use disorders to work disability and functioning in routine psychiatric practice in the United States. Data were used from the 1997 and 1999 American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education's Practice Research Network Study of Psychiatric Patients and Treatments, totaling 754 psychiatrists and 3,088 patients. Results found patients with comorbid substance use disorders had significantly higher rates of work disability. These findings highlight the critical need to address the disturbing lack of substance use treatment and rehabilitation services for this population.