Prevalence of depressive symptoms among drug users residing in therapeutic communities in the interior of Goiás, Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/eb.v25i4.4235Keywords:
Depressive Disorder; Drug Users; Mental Health.Abstract
Introduction: Depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities worldwide. A high frequency of depressive symptoms is observed among users of alcohol and other drugs; these symptoms can significantly compromise the quality of life, mental health, and physical health of these individuals, who are considered a vulnerable population. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among individuals with substance dependence undergoing treatment in therapeutic communities. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted in eight therapeutic communities dedicated to substance dependence treatment in a large city in the interior of Goiás state. The sample consisted of 50 residents from a total of eight institutions, all of which were affiliated with and maintained by Evangelical religious organizations. Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to screen for depressive symptoms. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the evaluated individuals with substance dependence was 42%. Participants exhibited characteristics of high sociodemographic vulnerability, highlighting a significant occurrence of depressive symptoms among individuals undergoing treatment for substance dependence. Conclusion: The results revealed a prevalence of depressive symptoms among individuals with substance dependence undergoing treatment, indicating the need to implement preventive strategies, mental health promotion initiatives, and individualized care aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being of this population.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Leyllana Barreto de Souza, Ana Cleides Pereira dos Santos, Camila Antunez Villagran , Gisleynne Maria Bento Lopes Cansado, Luiz Alexandre Pereira de Toledo, Rosilene da Silva Ribeiro (Autor)
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