THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEROIN WITHDRAWAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND EXISTENCE OF DEPRESSION

Background: The opioid withdrawal syndrome can vary greatly in intensity. Depression is proposed to be one of the contributing factors in withdrawal intensity of opioid dependents. Methods: Fifty-one male heroin dependents were enrolled in this study. All of them were admitted to Beheshti Psychiatric Hospital in Kerman, Iran for detoxification of heroin dependence. Existence of depression was evaluated by means of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and DSM IV criteria for major depressive disorders before the start of withdrawal complaints. The opiate withdrawal questionnaire was used for evaluating withdrawal signs and symptoms, 24 and 72 hours after the start of withdrawal. Results: The mean age of subjects was 33.67 ± 8.36 years. By means of BDI, 28 (54.9%) and by means of DSM IV criteria 11 (21.57%) subjects were ranked as depressed. Scores of withdrawal signs and symptoms were higher in the depressed patients, 24 hours after beginning of withdrawal, but were only higher in patients with major depressive disorder 72 hours after the start of withdrawal. Conclusion: Existence of depression, especially in the form of major depressive disorder, could intensify withdrawal signs and symptoms. This should be taken into account by the treating physicians, during the detoxification period and further treatment plans.