Leo Sher, M.D.

Substance use disorders are frequently comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Substance use disorders are complex brain illnesses characterized by compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use despite very harmful consequences. Substance-induced changes in brain structure and function occur in some of the same brain areas that are disrupted in other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or psychoses. It is not unexpected that studies show a high rate of co-occurrence, or comorbidity, between substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatric disorders are established risk factors for subsequent drug abuse, and vice versa.

Two large epidemiologic surveys have examined the prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders in community samples in the U.S.: the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area study conducted in the early 1980s, and the National Comorbidity Study conducted in 1991. Data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area suggests that 45% of individuals with an alcohol use disorder and 72% of individuals with a drug use disorder had at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder. In the National Comorbidity Study, approximately 78% of alcohol-dependent men and 86% of alcohol-dependent women met lifetime criteria for another psychiatric disorder, including drug dependence. Comorbidity of substance use disorders and other psychiatric diseases is associated with medical illnesses and suicidal behavior.

The co-occurrence of substance use and other psychiatric disorders has become an area of active research studies in recent years. The “II International Congress on Dual Disorders: Addictive Behaviours and other Mental Disorders” was held on October 5-8, 2011, in the wonderful City of Barcelona.

The rich history of Barcelona goes back well over 2000 years to its origins as an Iberian village, named Barkeno. The area was occupied in 218 BC, at the start of the Second Punic War, by Carthaginian troops under the leadership of Hamilcar Barca. This military occupation is often regarded as the foundation of the modern city of Barcelona. Currently, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain with a population of about 1.6 million people. About five million people live in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Barcelona is one of the world’s major global cities and one of the world’s leading economic, scientific, tourist, and cultural centers. The Barcelona people are unique, wonderful, and friendly. There is something about the Gaudi architecture that just gives the place a vitality that is truly special.

The “II International Congress on Dual Disorders: Addictive Behaviours and other Mental Disorders” was very well organized, well planned, thoughtfully focused on a range of important research and clinical issues, and went smoothly. The Congress staff provided a very supportive and friendly atmosphere. A lot of dedicated people have contributed to the success of the Congress. Miguel Casas, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Head, Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, was the Congress Chairman. Dr. Néstor Szerman, the President of the Spanish Society on Dual Diagnosis, and Dr. Carlos Roncero of the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron were among the main organizers of the Congress. Her Royal Majesty The Queen Sofia of Spain was the Honorary President of the Congress.

Dr. Carlos Roncero, Prof. Adolf Tobeña, Dr. Eugeni Bruguera, and Dr. Nestor Szerman were Coordinators of the Organizing, Academic, Local and International Advisory Committees, respectively. Prof. Miguel Casas was the Coordinator of both Local and International Scientific Committees.

Maria Dolores Braquehais, M.D., Ph.D., a Distinguished Guest of our website, www.internetandpsychiatry.com (please, see the “Distinguished Guests” section of our website), was a Member of the Local Scientific Committee and one of the Congress organizers. The author of this report, Leo Sher, M.D., was a Member of the International Scientific Committee.

The organizing committee of the Congress received a significant support from the most prestigious national and international public health, psychiatry and drug addiction institutions and organizations including the World Psychiatric Association and the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Several major pharmaceutical companies were among the sponsors of the Congress.

The photos were taken by the author of this report.

Please, read Part II of this report.