Followup of cocaine-dependent men and women with antisocial personality disorder

Abstract

Long-term outcomes following drug treatment were examined for cocaine-dependent men (N = 453) and women (N = 254) with and without antisocial personality disorder (ASP). In-depth assessments were conducted at treatment intake in 1991-93 and at 1 and 5 years following treatment discharge. Overall, 47.2% of the males and 34.3% of females were diagnosed with ASP using DSM-III-R criteria derived from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. All groups reduced their cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol use; reduced their levels of psychological distress; and improved in functioning (e.g., employment, arrests, residential status). At Year 5 ASP was associated with an increased likelihood of heavy alcohol use and additional substance abuse treatment among men, whereas women with ASP were more likely to report psychological problems and to receive mental health treatment and other services than either women without ASP or men with ASP. The findings suggest the need to address the specific treatment needs of male and female cocaine abusers with ASP.