Psychopathology comorbidity

There is ample support for the hypothesis of noradrenergic system dysfunction in depression however, the inconsistencies in findings rule out any simple model of increased or decreased noradrenergic activity. It is important to determine which noradrenergic system abnormalities relate specifically to the pathogenesis of mood disorders, and which are related to nonspecific effects of stress, homeostatic mechanisms, or comorbid psychopathology. More work is needed on the mood-state-depen-dence of noradrenergic function. 

In this chapter we reviewed taxometric studies in domains of psychopathology that only recently attracted the attention of taxometricians eating disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorder, and issues surrounding comorbidity. In all these areas the findings are mixed, and it is impossible to offer a verdict about the taxonic status of any of these forms of psychopathol-... 

Lilienfeld, S. O., Waldman, I. D., Israel, A. C. (1994). A critical examination of the use of the term and concept of comorbidity in psychopathology research. Clinical Psychology-Science and Practice, 1, 71-83. 

Younger children with manic symptoms tend to have severe functional impairment and comorbid psychopathology such as anxiety dysregulation, disruptive behaviors, and developmental delays that further complicate their clinical picture. In addition, these children may have mood symptoms that merge with other disorders, making manic episodes difficult to define. Irritability is part of the clinical picture of depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Poor concen-... 

Good intermorbid function Comorbid psychopathology (e.g., anxiety)... 

Even though the pharmacotherapy of adolescent addictions is a relatively new field, it appears to have a role in the treatment of many youth with SUD. Pharmacological agents have been shown to reduce excessive craving, to reduce associated comorbid psychopathology, and to prevent the future development of SUD in certain at-risk youth. Despite the present lack of empirical evidence, opiate substitution therapy should be considered in youth with heroin addiction. As with all treatments, the expectations, risks, and benefits should be reviewed with the patient and their caretakers. For SUD treatment to be successful, the provider should closely monitor and address the patient s SUD and psychiatric symptoms, treatment compliance, and social stressors. 

Recruit patients with moderate to severe psychopathology. Exclude Axis II comorbidities... 

Wilfley, D. E., M. A. Friedman, J. Z. Dounchis, R. I. Stein, R. R. Welch and S. A. Ball (2000). Comorbid psychopathology in binge eating disorder relation to eating disorder severity at baseline and following treatment. J Consult Clin Psychol 68(4) 641-9. 

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