Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found people with mood and anxiety disorders, such as bipolar and panic disorder, might be more likely to abuse opioids, according to a news release.
Using data from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions, which included interviews with individuals over age 18 in 2001-2002 and 2004-2005, researchers examined the link between mood and anxiety disorders and non-medical prescription opioid use.
"With the current increased use of non-medical prescription drugs, especially among adolescents, the association with future psychopathology is of great concern," said Carla Storr, ScD, author of the study and an adjunct professor with the Bloomberg School's Department of Mental Health, in the release. "Using opioids, or even withdrawal from opioids, might precipitate anxiety disorders, suggesting that there is a subgroup of people who are vulnerable to future development of anxiety disorders."
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"With the current increased use of non-medical prescription drugs, especially among adolescents, the association with future psychopathology is of great concern," said Carla Storr, ScD, author of the study and an adjunct professor with the Bloomberg School's Department of Mental Health, in the release. "Using opioids, or even withdrawal from opioids, might precipitate anxiety disorders, suggesting that there is a subgroup of people who are vulnerable to future development of anxiety disorders."
Related Articles on Opioids:
Study to Test Gene Variations and Sickle Cell Pain Management
American Medical Association to Help Physicians Prevent Misuse and Abuse of Prescription Opioids
7 Recent Studies & Research Findings on Painkillers