The Effect of Buprenorphine therapy on depressive symptomatology in heroin addicts
Journal
KNOWLEDGE - International Journal
Date Issued
2025-04-16
Author(s)
Danijela Janichevikj, Ivanovska
Abstract
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.
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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