DECLINE IN SELF-REPORTED DYSPHORIA AFTER TREATMENT ENTRY IN INNER-CITY COCAINE ADDICTS

This study examined self-reported dysphoria in 82 consecutive admissio ns to intensive outpatient treatment for cocaine abuse on whom data fo r the Beck scales for depression, anxiety, and hopelessness were avail able for intake and 4 subsequent weeks with no more than 1 missing dat a point. Mean scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Be ck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) decreased significantly between intake and Week 1, with no further significant changes from Weeks 1-4. Similar dr ops in the rate of clinically significant BDI and BAI scores also were observed. Scores on the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) showed no signi ficant changes. By Week 4, rates of clinically significant depression, anxiety, and hopelessness were similar (17%, 13%, and 16%, respective ly). These findings suggest that assessing depression and anxiety usin g the BDI and BAI in this population should be postponed for at least 1 week after intake and that intake levels of self-reported mood may b e inappropriate baseline measures for evaluating treatment effects.