Aim of study: This study aimed at assessing the interplay between
psychiatric disorders and suicide risk among patients with substance use
disorders. Methods: The study was performed in the outpatient clinic and
inpatient ward of psychiatry department, Zagazig University hospitals,
Sharkia, Egypt. 100 consecutive patients with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of
substance use disorders were recruited. Both genders above 18 years old, all
socioeconomic and educational levels were included. Patients with acute
psychiatric conditions, mental retardation, dementia and delirium were
excluded. Simple questionnaire was used for collection of sociodemographic
data and substance use information. Diagnosis of axis I disorders was done
using Arabic version of Structured Clinical Interview (SCID)-I. Severity of
substance use disorders was assessed using Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
scale. Suicide risk was assessed using Arabic version of Beck Scale of
Suicide Ideation (BSS). A urine sample was collected and screened for the
presence of seven substances (Amphetamines, Barbiturates,
Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Opiates, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and
Tramadol). Results: 93% of the participants were males and 7% were
females, mean age was 30.71 ± 8.68 years, 14% were illiterate while 86%
were educated, 14% were unemployed, while the employed group were 77%,
51% were urban residents, 57% were married and smokers consisted 94% of
the sample with a mean age of onset of smoking of 15.76 ± 4.21 years. Mean
scores of BSS were 6.59 ± 9.47. 55% had axis-I psychiatric disorders mostly
mood disorders consisting 36%. Conclusion: Almost half of the patients
showed psychiatric disorders mainly mood disorders and about a quarter had
suicidal ideation.