Am J Psychiatry 1976; 133:1434-1438
Copyright © 1976 by American Psychiatric Association
Clinical depression among narcotic addicts maintained on methadone in the community
MM Weissman, F Slobetz, B Prusoff, M Mezritz and P Howard
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.
