Depression – A major but neglected consequence contributing to the health toll from prescription opioids?. (30th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fischer, Benedikt; Murphy, Yoko; Kurdyak, Paul; Goldner, Elliot M.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 243(2016)
• Page Start: 331
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2016-09-30
• Subjects: BSWH Baylor Scott and White Health -- MDE major depressive episode -- NMPOU non-medical prescription opioid use -- OR Odds Ratio -- SIMD substance-induced major depression -- VHA Veterans Health Administration -- HR hazard ratio -- MED morphine equivalent dose -- NSDUH National Survey on Drug Use and Health -- POA prescription opioid analgesic -- SUD substance use disorder; Prescription opioid analgesics -- Depression -- Public health; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.06.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Prescription opioid analgesic (POA) use is common especially in North America, and associated with extensive morbidity and mortality. While medical and non-medical POA use have been documented to be associated with mental health problems, and specifically depression, newly emerging epidemiological evidence suggests that incident depression post-initiation of POA use may be common. Neurobiological – specifically regarding impacts of POAs on brain functioning – and/or psycho-social processes may be relevant pathways; these must be better understood, also to guide clinical practice for interventions. Incident depression outcomes may be an added component to the extensive health toll from widespread POA use. Highlights: Prescription opioid analgesic (POA) use and harms are high in North America. Several epidemiological studies show links between POA use/misuse and depression. Select recent studies found evidence for incident depression following POA use. Neurobiological evidence suggests plausibility for a POA use and depression link. Attention to the public health toll of POAs including depression is needed.