Epidemiology of Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Disorders. Overview Paper 8

摘要

The paper is presented in two parts. Part 1 is intended for non-scientists and explains what epidemiology is and how it can be used by practitioners, administrators, and policymakers. Part 1 also presents some highlights from past epidemiologic studies of co-occurring disorders (COD) and introduces three major national studies that are regularly used as sources of information on the nature and extent of COD problems in the United States. Part 2 presents some detailed technical information on these three studies and is intended for audiences who have some familiarity with epidemiologic methods. This overview paper provides an introduction to epidemiology as it relates to co-occurring substance use and other mental disorders (i.e., COD). High quality epidemiologic data are a cornerstone of planning services and building service systems for persons with COD. The purpose of this paper is not to serve as a compendium for epidemiologic data and information. Rather, this paper is intended as a starting point for those who wish to better understand the need for epidemiologic data or to identify key sources for epidemiological data on COD.