Depressive Symptoms in Crack and Inhalant Users in Southern Brazil

• NCJ Number: 232163
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2010 Pages: 221-236
• Author(s): Carlos Zubaran; Katia Foresti; Mariana Rossi Thorell; Paulo Franceschini; Wagner Homero
• Date Published: July 2010
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined mental health issues of crack cocaine and inhalant users in Brazil.

Abstract

In this study the authors investigated depressive symptoms and correlated psychopathology in crack cocaine and inhalant users in Southern Brazil. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. General psychopathology, hopelessness and suicidal tendencies were also investigated. Crack and inhalants users presented significant levels of depressive symptoms and psychiatric morbidity. These disorders were significantly associated with hopelessness and suicidal tendencies. These findings underscore the need for more rigorous and extensive screening efforts to detect and treat depressive symptoms in crack and inhalent users. Tables, figure, and references (Published Abstract)