Cannabis use disorders (CUDs) are becoming increasingly problematic within the population of individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD), yet the nature of this comorbidity remains largely unexamined. The aim of the current study from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project was to examine differences between SAD outpatients with versus without comorbid CUDs. Patients with SAD and comorbid CUDs (n = 173) were compared to those with SAD without CUDs (n = 700) on demographic and clinical characteristics. Compared to patients without the comorbidity, patients with comorbid SAD and CUDs were more likely to have a lifetime diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobias, lifetime substance use disorders (including alcohol), and report better physical health and fewer limitations related to their physical health. These analyses remained significant after controlling for gender, the presence of other substance use disorders, mood disorders, and other anxiety disorders. Findings of this study suggest that there may be a unique relationship between SAD and CUDs that can potentially impact the clinical presentation of individuals with SAD. Future research is needed to examine the impact of this comorbidity in other patient populations. J Psychiatr Res. 2011 Oct 31. PMID: 22047609
