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Author: search.filters.author.Danijela Janichevikj, Ivanovska

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    The Effect of Buprenorphine therapy on depressive symptomatology in heroin addicts
    (Scientific Institute of Management and Knowledge, 2025-04-16)
    ;
    Danijela Janichevikj, Ivanovska
    Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, heroin addiction is one of the most widespread diseases, right behind cardiovascular and malignant diseases. Heroin addicts have a large number of comorbid somatic and psychological disorders, among which depressive states occupy a significant place. It is known that on the territory of North Macedonia, two substitutes are used in the treatment of heroin addiction: methadone, which is an opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, which is an opioid agonist and antagonist. Of particular importance is the effect of buprenorphine on kappa receptors, which have a major impact on mood and sexual functioning. So the goal of this research is to see the effectiveness of buprenorphine therapy on depression in heroin addicts. Materials and methods: In this prospective study, which was conducted at the Day Hospital for Addictions at the Psychiatric Hospital Skopje, 20 heroin addicts undergoing treatment with buprenorphine therapy were evaluated before treatment after three months and after six months of treatment. The study used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data (gender, age, education, marital status, employment) specifically designed for the study. Depression scores were determined using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive method and by Student's t test. Statistical significance was considered p< 0.05. According to the data obtained, after three months of treatment with buprenorphine we had a decrease the score of depression but without statistical significance p= 0,43, while after six month of treatment we had a decrease with statistical significance p=0,034. However, in 5% of the respondents the score of depression was still high. Conclusion The results obtained in our study indicated that buprenorphine therapy affects the reduction of depressive symptomatology in heroin addicts. So, when we have a high depression score in patients, antidepressants should not be used immediately, but buprenorphine should be allowed to take effect first. If there is no improvement, then move on to the second step, including antidepressant therapy.
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    METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT AND CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
    (Scientific Institute of Management and Knowledge, 2023)
    ;
    Danijela Janichevikj, Ivanovska
    ;
    Gasi, Blerim
    Methadone and buprenorphine are the major modalities on the opioid substitution therapy (OST) for opioid dependence in North Macedonia. Some studies reported that coronavirus pandemic in methadone maintenance patients (MMT) increase levels of stress, anxiety, depression and craving of substance use. The negative emotions aroused by the COVID 19 outbreak and the accompanying social isolation to patients on MMT maybe are an important factor of this occurrence. The aim ofthis study is to evaluate the effect of coronavirus pandemic on mental health and use of legal and illegal substances in methadone maintenance patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included two group of male patients on methadone therapy (N=30) between 20-51 years evaluated in Day hospital of heroin addicts-department of Psychiatric Hospital Skopje. The study was conducted for 6 months so the one groups of patients was evaluated before coronavirus pandemic and the second groups after six month of beginning the epidemic. The patients were assess using sociodemographic information by semi-structured questionnaire specially designed for the study. Urinary tests for determination of psychoactive substances, BDI scale to determinate depression and Zunk scale to determinate the anxiety Results of this study were determinate by descriptive methods and Students t-test. In our study we got not statistically significates results between sociodemographic characteristic in examination group. But we got statistically significates results between score of BDI and Zung scale in examination groups Also in our study we got that alcohol , tobacco use and recidivism of heroin use were statistical significantly higher in MMT patients after six monthsof coronavirus pandemic. Conclusion: Results in our studies, suggested that the psychological and behavioral changes of the patients receiving MMT duringthe epidemical were significant so maybe psychosocial treatment in the future, which will alleviate this conditions