PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG SUBSTANCE USERS PRESENTED TO PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Substance user may face depression symptoms in many cases. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and
severity of depression among substance users.

Methodology: Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted in the Inpatient Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences (Mowadat Hussain Rana), Sheikh st st Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from 1 January to 31 August 2015. One hundred patients having the history of substance use participated in this study and the sample was collected through purposive convenient sampling. Patients were interviewed according to the diagnostic and research criteria of International statistical Classification of Diseases and related health problems (ICD 10) for the identification of depression and its severity (mild, moderate and severe). SPSS 20 was used to analyze the data.

Results: Out of 100 patients having history of substance use, 28% patients had depression. Among 28 depressed
patients; 08 (8%), 12 (12%) and 08 (8%) have mild, moderate and severe depression respectively. The majority of the patients
(60.71%) have duration of one or less than one year. Among substance users; 91,% 20 % and 28% patients used opioids,
depressants and stimulants respectively. All patients were males. 62% received detoxification treatment atleast once in their life
time. 59% lied between 31-45 years of age whereas; 29%, 17% and 1% were 15-30 years, 46-60 years and above 60 years of age
respectively. The routes of administration found were smoking 91%, sniffing 28%, foil paper 48%, oral 54%, intravenous 29%
and others 3%.

Conclusion: There was high prevalence of depression among substance user. Majority of the depressed patients
met the criteria of moderate depression present for atleast one year in a continuous manner. Among substance users; all
participants were male, middle aged adults and received detoxification atleast once in their lifetime. The most frequent routes of
administration were smoking, sniffing, foil paper, intravenous and oral.