NCJ Number
216246
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 47-52
Date Published
2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This observational study examined the antidepressant treatment patterns of a novel New York City methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) targeting young adults with special problems.
Abstract
Study findings indicate that older age, female gender, higher educational level, and sobriety were associated with antidepressant treatment. Marital status was also associated with antidepressant treatment. Ethnicity was not associated with antidepressant treatment in the clinic. This result differed from other studies. The results suggest that antidepressant treatment in this methadone clinic is similar, for the most part, to that of other general outpatient clinics. The study revealed several associations reported elsewhere in the literature, and it appears that a prospective study would be important to further investigate demographic and clinical influences on prescribing practices for methadone maintenance and optimal health care. Antidepressant trials in methadone maintenance programs have had mixed results. This study analyzed the antidepressant treatment patterns of a New York City methadone maintenance program, the Adolescent Development Program or those outside the clinic setting. The objective was to see whether or not any demographic patterns would emerge, and whether or not antidepressant treatment would reduce the risk of relapse. The study was carried out on all patients who were enrolled in treatment at the program as of January 1, 2004, and remained in treatment the entire month. The final number of participants or patients in the study was 102. Tables, references