Clinical depression among narcotic addicts maintained on methadone in the community.
In a study of 106 predominantly young, lower-social-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, 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.
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
D008691:Methadone