CLINICAL DEPRESSION AMONG NARCOTIC ADDICTS MAINTAINED ON METHADONE IN THE COMMUNITY

• NCJ Number: 38429
• Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 133 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1976) Pages: 1434-1438
• Author(s): M M WEISSMAN; F SLOBETZ; B PRUSOFF; M MEZRITZ; P HOWARD
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: American Psychiatric Assoc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS PAPER REPORTS THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY THAT EXAMINED THE FREQUENCY AND NATURE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN A COHORT OF METHADONE-MAINTAINED PATIENTS.

Abstract

ALTHOUGH THE PRESENCE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN OPIATE-ADDICTED INDIVIDUALS HAS RECEIVED CLINICAL MENTION, THE PROBLEM HAS RECEIVED LITTLE SYSTEMATIC STUDY. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE OF IMPORTANCE IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS, WHERE DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE USE OF COMPENSATORY OUTLETS, TO HIGHER ATTRITION, AND TO DIFFICULTY IN DISCONTINUING METHADONE. THIS STUDY GATHERED BASIC SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC, PSYCHIATRIC, DRUG HISTORY, AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING INFORMATION FOR 106 PREDOMINANTLY YOUNG, LOWER-CLASS MEN PARTICIPATING IN A METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. THE AUTHORS FOUND THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD WERE MODERATELY TO SEVERELY DEPRESSED AS ASSESSED ON STANDARD RATING SCALES OF DEPRESSION. THE DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH A DECREASE IN SOCIAL FUNCTIONING, INCREASE IN STRESS IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS, AND A HISTORY OF ALCOHOL ABUSE. BECAUSE THE COMBINATION OF DEPRESSION AND DRUG ADDICTION CREATES A HIGH RISK FOR SUICIDE. THE AUTHORS STATE THAT DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS REQUIRE EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT. THE AUTHORS POINT TO THE NEED FOR MORE RESEARCH ON TREATMENT APPROACHES, PARTICULARLY THE USE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)