Effects of Treatment Duration on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Different Drug Addiction Maintenance Treatment Programs

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of Buprenorphine and Methadone maintenance therapy (BMT and MMT) on the symptoms of anxiety and depression. To do this, SCL-90-R question-naires were administered to 44 individuals referring to addiction clinics seeking treatment. Our results were obtained at three different stages: at the beginning, 45, and 90 days following treatment. The obtained results revealed that the symptoms of anxiety and depression in both treatment groups decreased over time. Also, there were no significant differences in the symptoms in any of the treatment periods. However, such decrease in the intensity of the symptoms was more rapid in the MMT group. Specifically, the decrease in the intensity of the symptoms of anxiety and depression occurred after 45 days in the Buprenorphine maintenance group while in the MMT group it occurred before the 45-day period. These results are discussed in the context of adherence to treatment programs and underlying biological mechanisms of MMT and BMT.