Depression, demographic dimensions, and drug abuse

The authors examined the relationship between depressive symptoms, drug-use pattern, and demographic variables in 432 substance abusers. Assessment was at intake and at 4 and 8 months. Depression was measured by using the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Current and Past Psychopathology Scales. At intake 46% of the subjects reported moderate or high levels of depression on the Beck scale and 29% of subjects scored in the high or moderate range of depression on the Hamilton scale. After eight months, depression scores were significantly lower in all drug abuse groups. These reducations were not related to type or length of treatment.