Relationship between Opium Abuse and Severity of Depression in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract

BackgroundOpium use in diabetic populations is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study was designed to investigate the relationship between opium use and severity of depression in Iranian diabetic patients.MethodsIn this case-control study, 642 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited from those presenting at two outpatient clinics at the Akhavan Hospital in Kashan, Iran; of them, 600 diabetic patients were included in the study and divided into two groups: opium-abusers (150 patients) and non-opium-abusers (450 patients). Clinical and demographic information was obtained through a detailed questionnaire. Depression symptomalogy and severity were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and a corresponding diagnosis was made based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, Text Revision, 2000 (DSM-IV TR) criteria.ResultsThe mean depression score was higher in the opium abuse group than in the non-abuser group (29.27±1.44 vs. 18.29±1.31, P<0.001). In general, a significant association was found between opium abuse and depression among patients (odds ratio [OR], 4.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.87 to 7.44; P=0.001). No significant relationship was found between dysthymia and opium abuse (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.18 to 1.192; P=0.155), while MDD was significantly higher in the opium abuser group (OR, 7.32; 95% CI, 5.20 to 12.01; P<0.001).ConclusionDepression is more frequent in opium-dependent diabetic patients, and its severity is also greater. Given these findings, opium-dependent diabetic patients should be advised about the increased risks of depression and related comorbidities.

Psychometrics of the PHQ-9 as a measure of depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure

“…21,22 Depressive symptoms are frequent in patients with comorbid conditions. [53][54][55][56] Consistent with previous research findings, 56,57 we found that patients with history of stroke were more likely to report a high level of depressive symptoms than those who had not had a stroke. Contrary to prior studies, 53,55,58,59 we found no association between history of myocardial infarction, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus and level of depressive symptoms.…”

Prevalence of and factors associated with depression among hill tribe individuals aged 30 years and over in Thailand

“…In terms of the association between opium use and depression, Semenkovich et al [41] reported that there was a strong association between opium use and the development of depression. A study in Iran also clearly demonstrated that opium use significantly increased the incidence of severe depression [42]. Most hill tribe villages are located along the borders between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, which are defined as the area that produces the most drugs in the world, making different drugs, such as amphetamine [12,43], opium [44], and heroin [44], readily accessible.…”