Dual Diagnosis: Drug Dependence and Depression

Abstract

It is very common to find pathologies due to substance use and another pathologies at the same time in people with substance dependence. This is known as Dual Diagnosis. Depression, due to the high prevalence in dependencies, is one of the most frequently pathologies associated with consumption. This study details the social, consumption and psychological characteristics of a sample of 34 participants which were in internal regimen in the therapeutic community of Los Palacios (Seville). The prevalence and level of depression of the participants are also examined using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the relation between the score of this test and the characteristics detailed in the study. The results achieved in BDI showed a high prevalence of depression (55.88%). In addition, the study shows the influence of support networks on the level of depression. It denotes how important is an early diagnosis to begin individualized and, at the same time, group treatment, due to the importance of the support group.