Relationships between substance use and hypomanic symptoms in a non-clinical sample

Abstract

Previous work has demonstrated high levels of comorbidity between bipolar disorders and substance use disorders. There appears to be a relationship between substance use and hypomanic symptoms within the general population, but there has been little research in the area. The aim of the study was to examine relationships between substance use variables and hypomanic symptoms in a non-clinical sample. An international sample of 400 undergraduate students completed the 32-item hypomania checklist (HCL-32) and an author-constructed measure of substance use. Scores on the HCL-32 were significantly higher for those who were currently using amphetamines, and were approaching signifiance for those currently using cannabis, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and cocaine. Those with a lifetime history of cocaine and amphetamine use had significantly higher scores, and there was a non-significant trend for the same effect with lifetime MDMA use. Statistically significant correlations were found between scores on the HCL-32 subscales and age of first use of cannabis and amphetamines. There were significant correlations or non-significant trends for a relationship between higher hypomanic symptoms and greater consumption of cannabis and MDMA in the past year and higher lifetime use of cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines. The present study concluded that substance use is related to hypomania in non-clinical populations. Further research using longitudinal designs is required to understand better the causal mechanisms involved in such a relationship.

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ORCID for Thomas Richardson: orcid.org/0000-0002-5357-4281

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