Citation

Weissman MM, Slobetz F, Prusoff B, Mezritz M, Howard P. Am. J. Psychiatry 1976; 133(12): 1434-1438.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

984244

Abstract

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.

Language: en