Rates of mood and anxiety disorders and contributors to continued heroin use in methadone maintenance patients: A comparison by HIV status

Long-term follow-up assessment of opioid use outcomes among individuals with comorbid mental disorders and opioid use disorder treated with buprenorphine or methadone in a randomized clinical trial

AIMS

To investigate whether reduction in opioid use differs when treated by either buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP) or methadone (MET) among adults with comorbid opioid use disorder (OUD) and mental disorders.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

In a randomized controlled trial, adults with OUD were randomized to 24 weeks of either BUP or MET treatment and were followed up in 3-yearly assessments. The present secondary analyses were based on 597 participants who completed all assessments.

MEASUREMENTS

The outcome measure was the number of days of using opioids per month during the follow-up period. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to classify participants into three groups: life-time mood disorder (n = 302), life-time mental disorder other than mood disorder (n = 114) and no mental disorder (n = 181). Medication treatment (BUP, MET, no treatment) during the follow-up period was a time-varying predictor.

FINDINGS

Based on zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) mixed regression analysis, it was found that relative to no treatment, opioid use during the follow-up was significantly reduced by BUP [odds ratio (OR) = 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.07-0.21 for any use; risk ratio (RR) = 0.77, 95% CI =0.66-0.89 for days of use] and by MET [OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.25-0.45 for any use; RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.72-0.84 for days of use]. Relative to MET, BUP was associated with a lower likelihood of any opioid use among participants with mood disorders (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.36-0.74) and for participants without mental disorder (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.21-0.66) and fewer number of days using opioids (RR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.25-0.56) among participants with other mental disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults with comorbid opioid use disorder and mental disorders, treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone produced greater reductions in opioid use than treatment with methadone.

Treatment outcomes in individuals diagnosed with comorbid opioid use disorder and Posttraumatic stress disorder: A review

OBJECTIVES

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a public health emergency. Evidence suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among individuals with OUD; however, few studies evaluate whether concurrent diagnoses affect treatment outcomes. This review examines the impact of concurrent diagnoses of OUD and PTSD on treatment outcomes.

METHODS

A search was performed using articles identified through June 30, 2020 in PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. Included peer-reviewed articles evaluated individuals with OUD and a PTSD diagnosis via standardized assessment and/or medical record diagnoses, and reported relationships between diagnosis and treatment outcomes and/or other psychiatric conditions.

RESULTS

Out of 412 articles, 17 studies met inclusion criteria for this review (from 13 databases). Articles included had a total of n = 2190 with OUD, with n = 79 non-OUD comparison participants. Studies examining individuals with OUD revealed comorbid PTSD was associated with more severe addiction, higher rates of depression, attempted suicide, and psychosocial problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with OUD, presence of PTSD is associated with multiple mental health problems. The impact of PTSD on drug use is inconclusive. Although only 5 studies examined psychosocial PTSD treatment, all found PTSD-focused treatment to be effective for those with comorbid OUD. Overall, results suggest the need to better identify PTSD among those with OUD, and to develop and evaluate interventions that are brief, integrative, and easy to implement in clinical settings.

HIV-1 Tat and morphine decrease murine inter-male social interactions and associated oxytocin levels in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

Many persons infected with HIV-1 (PWH) and opioid-dependent individuals experience deficits in sociability that interfere with daily living. Sociability is regulated by the prefrontal cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit. Within this circuit HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (HIV-1 Tat) and opioids can increase dendritic pathology and alter neuronal firing. Changes in sociability are also associated with dysregulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides such as oxytocin or corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the prefrontal cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the interaction of HIV-1 Tat and morphine would impair inter-male social interactions and disrupt oxytocin and CRF within the PFC and associated circuitry. Male mice were exposed to HIV-1 Tat for 8 weeks and administered saline or escalating doses of morphine twice daily (s.c.) during the last 2 weeks of HIV-1 Tat exposure. Tat attenuated aggressive interactions with an unknown intruder, whereas morphine decreased both non-aggressive and aggressive social interactions in the resident-intruder test. However, there was no effect of Tat or morphine on non-reciprocal interactions in the social interaction and novelty tests. Tat, but not morphine, decreased oxytocin levels in the PFC and amygdala, whereas both Tat and morphine decreased the percentage of oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In Tat(+) or morphine-exposed mice, regional levels of CRF and oxytocin correlated with alterations in behavior in the social interaction and novelty tests. Overall, decreased expression of oxytocin in the prefrontal cortico-hippocampal-amygdalar circuit is associated with morphine- and HIV-Tat-induced deficits in social behavior.

Divergent behavioral responses in protracted opioid withdrawal in male and female C57BL/6J mice

Persons suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) experience long-lasting dysphoric symptoms well into extended periods of withdrawal. This protracted withdrawal syndrome is notably characterized by heightened anxiety and hyperkatifeia. Here, we investigated if an exacerbated withdrawal model of acute morphine dependence results in lasting behavioral adaptation 6 weeks into forced abstinence in C57BL/6J mice. We found that our exacerbated morphine withdrawal paradigm produced distinct alterations in behavior in elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, and social interaction tests in male and female mice. Following protracted withdrawal male mice showed enhanced exploration of the open arms of the EPM, reduced latency to enter the corner of the OF, and a social interaction deficit. In contrast, female mice showed enhanced thigmotaxis in the OF. In both sexes, protracted withdrawal enhanced locomotor behavior in response to subsequent morphine challenge, albeit at different doses. These findings will be relevant for future investigation examining the neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors and will aid in uncovering physiological sex differences in response to opioid withdrawal.

Outcome of Patients With High Depressive Symptoms on Admission to Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Objective: Comorbidity of depression among individuals with opioid addiction is highly prevalent, but their outcome in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is not well determined.Methods: Characteristics and outcomes (retention until December 2017) of newly admitted and already (5.5 ± 4 years) in MMT patients with available Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores on admission were studied.Results: During psychiatric intake on admission, 70 (21.2%) of 330 patients were diagnosed with high depressive symptoms beyond the cutoff (HAM-D scores ≥ 18). Depressed and nondepressed groups had a similar proportion of females (20% and 23.8%) and age at admission (43.0 ± 10.5 and 43.7 ± 10.4 years), but the depressed group had higher Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores (21.4 ± 8.6 vs. 7.0 ± 7.3, respectively; p < .0005), a higher proportion of minority (non-Jewish faith; 28.6% vs.15.4%; p =.02), and a higher proportion of positive urine screening results for cocaine (55.7% vs. 34.4%; p = .001) and for benzodiazepines on admission (74.3% vs. 57.5%; p = .01). Retention after 1 year was similar (79% and 80.7%), but depressed patients had higher rates of cocaine (40.8% vs. 25.5%; p = .05) and benzodiazepine use (59.2% vs. 41.8%; p = .04) and a shorter cumulative retention (5.6 years, 95% confidence interval [CI; 4.3, 7.0]) than the nondepressed patients (6.8 years, 95% CI [6.1, 7.5]; p = .05). Of the 263 evaluated while already in MMT, 23.5% were depressed, characterized with more females (43.5% vs. 23.4%) and with a history of rape (34.5% vs. 7.6%).Conclusions: Newly admitted depressed and nondepressed patients succeeded similarly in the first year retention in treatment, despite their cocaine and benzodiazepine co-abuse. The depression was characterized with females and with rape history in those who were already in MMT. Adequate intervention is recommended for both depressed groups to improve long-term retention and outcome.

Cognitive function is largely intact in methadone maintenance treatment patients

OBJECTIVES

To confirm our previous findings of less cognitive impairments (based on cognitive screening tools) among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients who achieved take-home dose (THD) privileges.

METHODS

a random sample of 65 Israeli MMT patients were studied using computerised, age and education standardised, cognitive domains (attention, executive function, memory, motor skills), and non-computerised phonetic and semantic verbal fluency.

RESULTS

Cognitive scores were within ±1 standard deviation (SD) of average for most domains, including non-verbal IQ, attention and motor skills. Verbal fluency and memory were >1 SD below average (mean = 84; z = -1.1 for both). Females were younger than the males and had poorer motor skills (P = 0.005) but better verbal memory (P < 0.0005). Opiate usage duration correlated with reaction time (P = 0.05) and inversely with verbal memory (P = 0.01). Overall cognitive function was poorest among 25 (38.5%) current drug users, and 6 (9.2%) lifetime schizophrenia patients. Cognitive domains were comparable between THD privileges subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite heterogeneity in MMT duration, abuse duration, substance use and psychiatric comorbidity, all performed within ±1 SD of average for age and education in most cognitive domains. Our findings challenge the notion of MMT as being synonymous with compromised cognition and may lead to reduced bias regarding cognitive function of MMT patients.

Novel psychoactive substance use among treatment-seeking opiate users: The role of life events and psychiatric symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Over the past 5 years, a shift to the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been observed among opioid users. The aim of this study was to assess the potential reasons for NPS use among treatment-seeking patients receiving opiate substitution therapy.

METHOD

A structured questionnaire was filled out by a sample of 198 opiate dependent patients of Hungary's National Institute of Psychiatry and Addiction. This questionnaire assessed demographics, treatment characteristics, lifetime substance use, potential reasons for NPS use, negative life events (Life Events Scale), and psychiatric symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory).

RESULTS

The most frequent reasons for NPS use were curiosity, replacing other drugs, and easy availability. The majority of the respondents used synthetic cathinones and chose practical reasons, not psychopharmacological preferences. A series of binary logistic regressions indicated that lifetime amphetamine use (OR = 4.64, 95% CI [2.16, 9.96]) and more severe psychiatric symptoms (OR = 1.89, 95% CI [1.18, 3.04]) may predict NPS use. Time spent in treatment was a minor protective factor (OR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.86, 0.99]).

CONCLUSION

Synthetic cathinones might still substitute amphetamine-derivatives, although these NPS are no longer legal. There is a need for the regular screening of psychiatric symptoms and the use of family therapy among participants on opioid substitution programs.

Baseline Substance Use Interferes with Maintenance of HIV Medication Adherence Skills

Cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) in HIV improves both adherence and depression outcomes relative to enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU). However, in persons with injection drug use (PWIDU) histories, adherence gains seen during treatment have not been maintained postintervention. Therefore, we examined whether heroin or cocaine use at study entry moderated acquisition or maintenance of adherence gains after CBT-AD. HIV-positive adults in treatment for opioid dependence (n = 89) were randomly assigned to CBT-AD or ETAU and completed 3-, 6-, and 12-month assessments. Participants were majority male (61%), white (48%), and heterosexual (79%). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate whether heroin or cocaine use at baseline interacted with intervention assignment to predict change in adherence during active treatment and follow-up. CBT-AD-related improvement in adherence during the active intervention period did not vary by baseline substance use. However, cocaine use (but not heroin use) at baseline interacted with intervention assignment to predict a significant decline in follow-up adherence (cocaine use × group condition coefficient = -0.77, t = -2.44, p = 0.02) such that by 12 months, adherence among CBT participants was significantly lower among those who used cocaine (45.0%) compared to those who did not (72.3%; t = 2.50, p = 0.018). HIV-positive PWIDU who use heroin or cocaine at baseline can benefit from the CBT-AD intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy; therefore, providers should not withhold an active psychosocial treatment for HIV-positive PWIDU who are using. Cocaine use at baseline may limit the degree to which gains are maintained postintervention, and therefore, booster sessions may be needed.

Influence of Psychiatric and Personality Disorders on Smoking Cessation Among Individuals in Opiate Dependence Treatment

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate how psychiatric and personality disorders influence smoking cessation goals and attempts among people with opiate dependence who smoke. This information could aid the development of more effective cessation interventions for these individuals.

METHODS

Participants (N = 116) were recruited from two methadone clinics, completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III, and were asked about their smoking behavior and quitting goals. We used the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method, a technique commonly used for studies with small sample sizes and large number of predictors, to develop models predicting having a smoking cessation goal, among those currently smoking daily, and ever making a quit attempt, among those who ever smoked.

RESULTS

Almost all participants reported ever smoking (n = 115, 99%); 70% (n = 80) had made a serious quit attempt in the past; 89% (n = 103) reported current daily smoking; and 59% (n = 61) had a goal of quitting smoking and staying off cigarettes. Almost all (n = 112, 97%) had clinically significant characteristics of a psychiatric or personality disorder. White race, anxiety, and a negativistic personality facet (expressively resentful) were negative predictors of having a cessation goal. Overall, narcissistic personality pattern and a dependent personality facet (interpersonally submissive) were positive predictors of having a cessation goal. Somatoform disorder, overall borderline personality pattern, and a depressive personality facet (cognitively fatalistic) were negative predictors of ever making a quit attempt. Individual histrionic (gregarious self-image), antisocial (acting out mechanism), paranoid (expressively defensive), and sadistic (pernicious representations) personality disorder facets were positive predictors of ever making a quit attempt. Each model provided good discrimination for having a smoking cessation goal or not (C-statistic of .76, 95% CI [0.66, 0.85]) and ever making a quit attempt or not (C-statistic of .79, 95% CI [0.70, 0.88]).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to existing treatments, smoking cessation treatments that can be tailored to address the individual needs of people with specific psychiatric disorders or personality disorder traits may better help those in opiate dependence treatment to set a cessation goal, attempt to quit, and eventually quit smoking.

Depression, suicidal ideation, and related factors of methadone maintenance treatment users in Guangzhou, China

Mental health problems are prevalent among drug users. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is an evidence-based effective treatment for drug addiction; however, there are few studies investigating depression, suicidal ideation, and their related factors among MMT users. In this cross-sectional study, 648 MMT users were recruited from six MMT clinics in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. Of all participants, 270 (42.7%) exhibited probable depression (Depression Subscale of the Chinese short version of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-D), score ≥ 10) and 99 (15.3%) reported having suicidal ideation in the last six months. After adjusting for significant socio-demographic characteristics, all studied variables, including drug use history, social support, family support for MMT use, and satisfaction toward MMT services were significantly associated with both probable depression and suicidal ideation in the last six months. Furthermore, depression fully mediated the associations between drug use history, satisfaction toward MMT services, and suicidal ideation. In the final multivariate models, probable depression was associated with social support (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.83-0.93) and satisfaction toward MMT services provided by doctors (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40-0.86), while for suicidal ideation, social support (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.78-0.92) and probable depression (OR = 5.94, 95% CI = 3.39-10.42) were significant. The findings suggest that there are unmet mental health needs among MMT users. For countries with limited resources of psychological services, mental health care toward MMT users should be implanted into current health care settings and incorporate components such as social support, family's understanding of MMT, and service satisfaction.

Atypical autonomic regulation, auditory processing, and affect recognition in women with HIV

This study examined the effect of HIV on visceromotor (i.e., heart rate and heart rate variability) and somatomotor (i.e., auditory processing and affect recognition) components of a Social Engagement System defined by the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 1995) that links vagal regulation of the heart with brainstem regulation of the striated muscles of the face and head. Relative to at risk HIV-seronegative women, HIV-seropositive women had less heart rate variability (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and had poorer performance on auditory processing and affect recognition tasks. CD4 was negatively correlated with the accuracy to detect specific emotions. The observed indices of atypical autonomic and behavioral regulation may contribute to greater difficulties in social behavior and social communication between HIV-infected women and other individuals in their social network.

Depression in male patients on methadone maintenance therapy

INTRODUCTION

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions in men. The aim of the study was to determine the depressive symptoms and associated factors among men on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 108 subjects who attended the Drug Clinic at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The instruments used include the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition Axis-I Disorder, Beck Depression Inventory and the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function.

RESULTS

The rate of depression was 44.4%. There were significant associations between Malay ethnicity, secondary education level and concurrent illicit cannabis use with depression (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant associations between depression and erectile dysfunction (P = 0.379).

DISCUSSION

Even though depression is common among men on MMT, it is often missed by the treating doctors. It is important to make the treating doctors aware that depression is a serious clinical condition that has a profound impact on the individual and compliance to treatment.

Promoting the sexual health of MSM in the context of comorbid mental health problems

Despite the moderate efficacy of HIV prevention interventions for at risk gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), MSM continue to represent the largest group of new HIV infections and the largest number of individuals living with HIV in the US. Environmental factors such as sexual minority stress increase the vulnerability of MSM for mental health problems. These mental health problems can be a barrier to consistently engaging in self-care health behaviors such as sexual risk reduction. We consider the following observations critical to identifying priorities for HIV prevention among MSM: (1) gay, bisexual and other MSM have higher rates of mental health problems than general population estimates; (2) these mental health problems co-occur with each other and interact synergistically to increase HIV risk; and (3) comorbid mental health problems may compromise the impact of prevention programs, and integrating treatment of mental health issues into prevention programs may improve program efficacy. Novel prevention interventions for at risk MSM that integrate programming with the treatment of co-occurring and interfering mental health issues are the most promising avenue to increase prevention intervention efficacy and effectiveness. By addressing significant mental health issues and supporting broad based prevention efforts at the individual and community level, there is also the potential to improve the overall quality of life and public mental health of gay, bisexual, and other MSM.