The SCL90-based psychopathological structure may be applied in Substance Use Disorder patients independently of the drug involved, even in heroin, alcohol and cocaine monodrug users

Background. Using the SCL90 checklist, we previously showed that a cluster of five psychopathological symptoms could be found in Heroin Use Disorder patients. This aggregation demonstrated a high degree of stability, as it proved to be independent of addiction-related conditions such as treatment chosen, intoxication status, and presence of psychiatric problems. It was also applied, in patients with polysubstance use, independently of the drug involved (alcohol, cocaine or heroin). In this study, we have restricted the analysis to patients using only one substance of abuse by excluding patients with polysubstance use. Methods. 256 subjects with alcohol (AUD), heroin (HUD), or cocaine use disorder (CUD) and without a secondary substance of use were assigned to one of the five clusters (worthlessness-being trapped, somatic symptoms, sensitivity-psychoticism, panic anxiety, and violence-suicide). Differences between AUD, HUD and CUD patients in their psychopathological typology and its severity were analysed at univariate and multivariate level. Results. Despite some demographic distinctions, no differences were observed regarding psychopathological typology or its severity among AUD, HUD and CUD patients. Conclusions. This study further supports the independence of the proposed SCL90 five-dimensional structure of the various substances considered. © 2018, Pacini Editore S.p.A. All Rights Reserved.