Assessment of Electroencephalographic Changes and Clinical Characteristics Among Patients with Substance-Related Disorder

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse is defined as the hazardous use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol and illegal narcotics. It is a significant global public health concern. Chronic relapsing diseases, defined by compulsive use of drugs despite negative health effects, were substantial contributors to the illness burden in the USA and all over the world. Objective: The objectives were as follows: (a) to determine the presence of electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and their types among patients with substance-related disorders and (b) to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with substance-related disorder. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from September 1, 2021 to August 1, 2022. It was performed on 112 patients (104 males and 8 females) in the Neurophysiology Department of Al Imam Al Sadiq Teaching Hospital in Al-Hilla Governorate. The patients were diagnosed by psychiatrists, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. All patients were assessed by history, physical examination, and EEG test. Results: The study showed that the frequency of EEG changes was 57.1%, whereas those without any changes was 42.9%. Those with score 2 or moderate severity were 53.6%. Severe abnormalities were found in 3.5% of the patients. There was a significant association between the EEG change and the type of substance taken, with a P-value of 0.008. The study showed the association between the EEG change and duration of substance taken, with a P-value of 0.0001, which was significant. There was a significant association between the type of substance taken and age (P = 0.002). The association between the type of substance taken and gender, residence, and occupation was non-significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that the EEG changes were of high prevalence in patients with substance-related disorder. The most common abnormality was score 2 (moderate severity). The most common substance with an abnormal EEG change was amphetamine.