Stress, Anxiety and Depression as a Predictor in Relapse of Drug Dependence

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association of stress, anxiety and depression with relapse of drug dependence.Study Design: Cross Sectional Comparative
Place and Duration: Study was conducted in Armed Forces Institute of Mental Health and various Rehabilitation/Drug Detoxification centers of Rawalpindi from Feb 2016 to June 2016.
Methodology: One hundred patients were selected for the study from Armed Forces Institute of Mental Health and various Rehabilitation centers. Relevant information was recorded from the patients with objectives of study.
Results: The mean age of the sample was 26.5 years with range of 18-35 year. In this sample there were 60 (60%) married, 74 (74%) employed 26 (26%) from lower income class, 52 (52%) from middle class, and 22 (22%) from upper income class. Educational background showed that 24 (24%) were educated up to middle and 30 (30%) were having higher education. In the study sample 60 (60%) having first relapse and 40 (40%) were having second relapse. According to the results it was found that on average, participants experienced greater stress (27.95±4.92 vs 25.03±3.52, P-value < 0.05) and anxiety (26.95 ± 5.19 vs 23.50 ± 4.58, P-value < 0.05) on second relapse as compared with first relapse. While there was no significant difference in scores of depression on first and second relapse (27.65±5.82 vs 25.73±3.71, P-value > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study reveals that there is significant relationship between relapse and suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. Stress is the most significant predictor that leads towards relapse of drug dependence. Early detection and treatment of psychiatric morbidity can improve relapse or drug dependence and quality of life.