Sintomatología de Ansiedad y Depresión en Usuarios de Centros Especializados en Tratamiento de Adicciones

Ruth María Giler-Zambrano; Mery Jael Jaramillo-Verduga

doi:10.70171/5esfbg20

Authors

Ruth María Giler-Zambrano Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6936-2075
Mery Jael Jaramillo-Verduga Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5532-8909

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70171/5esfbg20

Keywords:

anxiety, depression, dual diagnosis, rehabilitation, mental health

Abstract

Justification: Dual pathology represents a public health problem in Ecuador. Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and the associated factors among individuals undergoing rehabilitation for substance use in Ecuador. Methodology: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 80 participants from four specialized treatment centers across the country. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-18) developed by the World Health Organization. Results: Sixty percent of the participants were young adults (18–30 years), predominantly male (65%) and unemployed (85%). The most common primary substances leading to treatment admission were cocaine (32.5%) and alcohol (27.5%). Overall, 74% of participants exhibited clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression, with the most frequent symptoms being inability to play a useful role (72.5%), difficulty performing work-related activities (68.75%), suicidal ideation (66.25%), and loss of interest in daily activities (63.75%). Participants younger than 29 years had a 2.08-fold higher prevalence of clinically significant anxiety and depression symptoms (PR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.20–3.60). Likewise, benzodiazepine use (PR=2.14; 95% CI: 1.21–3.79), heroin use (PR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.06–3.33), and polysubstance use (PR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.31–4.42) were associated with a higher prevalence of these symptoms. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between anxiety and depression scores and treatment duration (rs=0.43; p=0.0002). Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among patients receiving treatment for substance use, particularly among younger individuals.

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