The Basel dependence study
Von Bardeleben, U.; Ladewig, D.; Simon, A.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique 50(3): 148-159
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5930 PMID: 8475469 Document Number: 407287
In a survey of 177 patients of several outpatient departments and private practices in the area of Basel there were 23% with a dependence syndrome according to the diagnostic guidelines of ICD-10. Sedatives and hypnotics were the mostly mentioned psychotropic substances in this group. In a second survey six to twelve months later 80% of the initial study group were reassessed, focusing on referrals of the patients with a dependence syndrome to institutions specialized for the treatment of addiction. In most cases these patients were still treated at the previous institution; there were only a few referrals. Improvements concerning the increase of the referral rate to competent specialized institutions for patients with addiction seems possible by implementation of a decentralized consultation liaison service for outpatient departments, hospitals and also private practitioners in a mobile form.