Bent Berntsen Monsbakken

Bio: Bent Berntsen Monsbakken is an academic researcher from University of Oslo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Comorbidity & Substance abuse. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 3 publications receiving 12 citations. Previous affiliations of Bent Berntsen Monsbakken include Innlandet Hospital Trust.

Mortality, cause of death and risk factors in patients with alcohol use disorder alone or poly-substance use disorders: a 19-year prospective cohort study.

Abstract: This study investigated cause of death, mortality rates and explored if baseline characteristics were associated with risk of death in patients with alcohol use disorder alone or poly-substance use disorders. This was a prospective, longitudinal study of patients followed for 19 years after entering specialized treatment for substance use disorders. At baseline 291 patients (mean age 38.3 years, standard deviation 11.4 years, 72% male) with high psychiatric co-morbidity were recruited; 130 (45%) had lifetime alcohol use disorder alone, while 161 (55%) had poly-substance use disorders. Time and causes of death were gathered from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Lifetime psychiatric symptom disorders and substance use disorders at baseline were measured with The Composite International Diagnostic Interview and personality disorders at baseline were measured with The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory II. Patients with alcohol use disorder alone more often died from somatic diseases (58% versus 28%, p = 0.004) and more seldom from overdoses (9% versus 33%, p = 0.002) compared with patients with poly-substance use disorders. The crude mortality rate per 100 person year was 2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.8–2.7), and the standardized mortality rate was 3.8 (95% confidence interval: 3.2–4.6) in the entire cohort during 19 years after entering treatment. Having lifetime affective disorder at baseline was associated with lower risk of death (Hazard Ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.37–0.91). Older age was associated to increased risk of death among men (p < 0.001) and non-significantly among patients with poly-substance use (p = 0.057). The difference in association between age and risk of death was significantly different between men and women (p = 0.011) and patients with alcohol use disorder alone and poly-substance use disorders (p = 0.041). Patients with alcohol use disorder alone died more often from somatic disease than patients with poly-substance use disorders, and all subgroups of patients had an increased risk of death compared with the general population. Men with long-lasting substance use disorders are a priority group to approach with directed preventive measures for somatic health before they reach 50 years of age.

Predictors of problematic substance use 18 years after treatment: a longitudinal cohort study of persons with substance use disorders

Abstract: To examine the extent of substance use and explore which baseline factors predicted current problematic substance use 18 years after treatment in surviving patients. Methods: This longitudinal coho...

Levels of mental distress over 18 years after entering treatment for substance use disorders: A longitudinal cohort study

Abstract: Aims:The aims were to investigate whether baseline characteristics and problematic substance use were related to change in mental distress over time in patients with substance use disorders during

Perceptions of the Use of Alcohol and Drugs after Sudden Bereavement by Unnatural Causes: Analysis of Online Qualitative Data.

Abstract: Bereavement is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity and all-cause mortality, particularly in younger people and after unnatural deaths. Substance misuse is implicated but little research has investigated patterns of drug or alcohol use after bereavement. We used a national online survey to collect qualitative data describing whether and how substance use changes after sudden bereavement. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses to a question probing use of alcohol and drugs after the sudden unnatural (non-suicide) death of a family member or a close friend. We analysed data from 243 adults in British Higher Education Institutions aged 18–40, identifying two main themes describing post-bereavement alcohol or drug use: (1) sense of control over use of drugs or alcohol (loss of control versus self-discipline), (2) harnessing the specific effects of drugs or alcohol. Across themes we identified age patterning in relation to substance misuse as a form of rebellion among those bereaved in childhood, and gender patterning in relation to men using alcohol to help express their emotions. The limitations of our sampling mean that these findings may not be generalizable from highly-educated settings to young people in the general population. Our findings describe how some young bereaved adults use drugs and alcohol to help them cope with traumatic loss, and suggest how clinicians might respond to any difficulties controlling substance use.

A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe

Abstract: Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at heightened risk for infection, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19. However, health consequences of the pandemic extend far beyond those directly caused by the virus. This scoping review aimed to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of PEH in North America and Europe. A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted in September 2021. To be included, studies had to include primary data related to the impact of the pandemic on health or well-being of PEH and be written in English. All potentially relevant references were independently screened by two reviewers, and minor conflicts were settled with input of a third reviewer. A total of 96 articles met criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was completed for all included studies, and findings synthesised and presented thematically. Numerous health impacts of the pandemic on PEH were identified, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, mortality, and hospitalisation, fear of infection, access to housing, hygiene, PPE, food, as well as mental health, substance use, other health-related outcomes and treatment services. Gaps in the literature relating to persons using alcohol, access to mental health support, and violence were also identified. Implications for future research are discussed.

Adolescent Substance Use and High School Noncompletion: Exploring the Nature of the Relationship using a Discordant Twin Design.

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS Previous studies have demonstrated associations between substance use and reduced educational attainment; however, many were unable to account for potential confounding factors like genetics and the rearing environment. In the few studies that controlled for these factors, the substances assessed were limited to alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco. To address these limitations, we examined the relationship between adolescent use of seven kinds of substances, the number of additional substances used, and high school noncompletion within a large sample of Australian twins. DESIGN A series of two-level generalized mixed effects logistic regressions were conducted to examine associations between adolescent substance use and high school noncompletion. SETTING Australia PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9,579 adult Australian twins from two cohorts of the Australian Twin Registry MEASUREMENTS: Assessments of high school completion, childhood major depression, conduct disorder symptoms, substance use initiation, demographics, and parental educational attainment using the Australian version of the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. FINDINGS There were unique within-twin-pair effects of use of sedatives (odds ratio [OR] = 22.39 [95% confidence interval = 1.18 - 423.48]) and inhalants/solvents (OR = 10.46 [95% confidence interval = 1.30 - 84.16]) on high school noncompletion. The number of substances used in adolescence was strongly associated with high school noncompletion across all discordant twin models (ORs from 1.50 - 2.32, ps < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS In Australia, adolescent substance use appears to be associated with early school dropout, with the effects of any given substance largely due to the confounding factors of parental education, childhood conduct disorder symptoms, and use of other substances. Sedatives and inhalants/solvents have effects on high school noncompletion that cannot be explained by polysubstance use or familial factors.

Predictors of Relapse to Alcohol and Substance Use: Are There Any Differences between 3 and 12 Months after Inpatient Treatment?

Abstract: Understanding the factors that lead to relapse is important for developing effective treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to examine sociodemographic and clinical factors that predict relapse 3 and 12 months after inpatient treatment in patients with alcohol and substance use disorders. 247 patients were included in the study. A sociodemographic data form and the Addiction Profile Index-Clinical Form (API-C) were filled out during the first days of hospitalization and relapse information was obtained through outpatient interviews. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictive factors. Rates of relapse for the 3rd and 12th months were 40.5% and 74.6%, respectively. Motivation to quit substance use, risk of depression, being on probation, and being employed predicted relapse within the 3-month period. At the 12th month, substance use intensity and motivation to quit were the factors associated with relapse. To conclude, motivation to quit is critical to maintaining both early and sustained remission. Moreover, divergent factors may be relevant at different stages of treatment. Defining relapse predictors early in the process and being vigilant to the change in the needs of patients as the treatment continues may help to develop a more effective and focused treatment plan.