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 methdone maintenance program, the authors found that about 1/3 were moderately to severely depressed as assessed on standard rating scales of depression. Because the combination of depression & drug addiction creates a high risk for suicide, depressive symptoms require early detection & treatment. The authors point to the need for more research on treatment approaches, particularly the use of psychotropic drugs.