The effects of childhood trauma and mental disorders on treatment engagement, contact with the criminal justice system, and mortality among people with opioid dependence

Original research
by
Santo, Thomas et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

Australia

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We aimed to examine whether childhood trauma and mental disorders are associated with opioid agonist treatment (OAT) engagement, contact with the criminal justice system, and mortality among people with opioid dependence.

Findings/Key points

Participants with extensive childhood trauma histories and ASPD were less likely to enter OAT and those with depression were more likely to enter OAT in any given year after opioid dependence onset. Panic disorder, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder were associated with less time in OAT. Extensive histories of childhood trauma, PTSD, ASPD, and comorbid substance dependence increased risk of charges for any offence. There were no significant associations between the exposure variables and mortality.

Design/methods

This observational study linked survey data from 1,482 people receiving OAT in Sydney, Australia (2004-2008) to administrative data on OAT, crime, and mortality through 2017

Keywords

Mental health
About PWUD
Legal system/law enforcement