title: [Subjective wellbeing and somatic markers in methadone substitution. Evaluation of 61 heroin addicts].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In 61 patients with the ICD-10 diagnosis "heroin dependence" an evaluation of subjective well-being with consideration given to coexisting symptoms prior to and 4 months after initiation of methadone maintenance.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile and, for the clinical physical side effects, the opioid withdrawal scale proposed by Bradley and Seldenburg, were used. Additionally, urinalysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically appreciable differences were found between the two groups in terms of drug-specific side effects, somatic satisfaction scales, and consumption of medications and co-use of addictive drugs. Further statistically evident inter-group differences were seen with regard to mental well-being.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, methadone maintenance leads to a rapid improvement in subjective well-being and to a relevant reduction in concurrent physical symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Universitätskliniken Innsbruck, Univ.-Klinik für Psychiatrie, Innsbruck. Salvatore.Giacomuzzi@uibk.ac.at
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Giacomuzzi
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Riemer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kemmler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ertl
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rössler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hinterhuber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011788:Quality of Life; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone