A Longitudinal Analysis of Factors Associated With Morbidity in Cocaine Abusers With Psychiatric Illness

A study was conducted to characterize a population of cocaine users who were referred to a state psychiatric institution, identify treatment problems including reasons for relapse, & develop strategies to improve treatment outcome. A sample of 80 patients was identified with suicidal ideation or attempt the most common reason for referral. The authors of the study suggest that perhaps cocaine use is especially likely to trigger suicidal ideations in those with an underlying psychiatric illness.