The authors studied the social networks and psychopathology of 168
patients with diagnoses of substance abuse. Small network size was
correlated with higher scores on the Modified Michigan Alcohol-Drug
Screening Test, higher symptom reports on the SCL-90 and the Beck
Depression Inventory, and more observed psychopathology according to the
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Larger network size was correlated with
better functioning according to the Global Assessment Scale and DSM-III
axis V. The authors conclude that such symptom complexes as paranoia and
phobia may undermine the social networks of substance abusers more than
such symptom complexes as anxiety and depression.
Abstract Teaser