Therapeutic Effect of Methadone on Improving Symptoms of Depression in

Objective: Substance abuse is commonly associated with psychiatric disorders includingmood disorders (especially depression), personality disorders and psychosis. The purpose ofthis study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of methadone on depressive symptoms ofimprisoned intravenous substance user.Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on intravenous drug abusers inprison. Demographic characteristics of the prisoners, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and apsychiatric interview checklist based on DSM-IV were completed when prisoners started theirsentence. After 3 months of Methadone therapy, prisoners were evaluated again. Data wereanalyzed by using paired T-test.Results: From 37 prisoners under the study, 35 ones entered the evaluation. Based onclinical interview, 26 (74.3%) were diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder, 2 of whichwere excluded and referred to standard treatment because of suicidal ideas. Nineteen patientsshowed improvement after treatment with Methadone. BDI score was 38.6±10.6 and28.2±11.3 before and after the invention respectively (P 0.0001).Conclusion: This study shows that methadone could improve depressive symptoms inprisoners who are addicted to illegal substances and therefore is a recommended treatment inprison setting.