The Association Between Drug Craving and Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in Chinese Male Methamphetamine Inpatients: The Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms.

BACKGROUND

Suicidal thoughts and behavior (STBs) are prevalent in patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MAUD). The present study aimed to examine the relationship between drug craving and STBs among Chinese MAUD inpatients, specifically focusing on the potential mediating role of depressive symptoms.

METHODS

After quality control, 538 inpatients with MAUD were included in the study. Inpatients were recruited from a drug rehabilitation center. Data were collected using the Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the STBs question.

RESULTS

Among MAUD inpatients, 7.6% exhibited STBs. Compared to those without STBs, patients with STBs had higher depressive symptoms scores, higher DDQ-negative reinforcement scores, and higher total DDQ scores. Significant positive associations were found among DDQ scores, depressive symptoms, and STBs. Mediation analysis indicated that the mediation effect of depressive symptoms was significant (mediation effect: 26%).

CONCLUSION

Depressive symptoms serve as a mediator in the relationship between drug craving and STBs in MAUD inpatients. These findings highlight the necessity of incorporating depressive symptoms screening and intervention into addiction treatment which may be related to a lower prevalence of suicide risk.