Background The literature has consistently reported the high prevalence of comorbid substance abuse and bipolar disorder(1, 2). Recent data has reported an existing gap in identifying patients with a bipolar diathesis receiving addiction treatment(3).

Methods. A retrospective chart review from July of 2008 until July of 2009 of patients attending an alcohol & drug treatment program (ADTP) in rural southern California. Basic demographics were collected. We compared the self reported symptoms of mood variations in the initial intake to the addiction program with the patient’s score of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in a Hispanic community. A positive MDQ was defined as a score of 7/13 with concurrence and severity. Additional variables collected were primary drug of abuse, age, gender and ethnicity.

Results. Out of 505 patients admitted, 121 patients were reviewed who answered the MDQ. Out of the 121, 18 reported having mood problems during their addiction intake and 50 were found to have a positive MDQ (x2=5.602,p=0.018). MDQ was positive in users of the following substances: 28/71 for Methamphetamine, 9/20 for EtOH, 5/20 for THC and 8/10 for heroin (x2=8.583,p=0.035). ANOVA with primary drug of abuse as the independent variable and MDQ raw score as the dependant variable was significant (F(3,118)=2.913,p=0.037).

Discussion. Close scrutiny for underlying bipolar diathesis, especially in heroin users, which have been reported to have an unstable temperament(4), is warranted, Failure to adequately diagnose these patients could result in early termination from rehabilitation and relapse. Longitudinal large studies are needed to further corroborate this hypothesis.