The Relationship between Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Aggression in Patients with Drug Dependence

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between 'depression, anxiety and stress' and aggression in people with drug dependence. Materials & Methods: An analytical study was conducted to determine correlation. In 2013, 110 individuals with drug-dependence were selected conveniently as a sample group. Data were collected using the 'Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale' (DASS) and the `Buss-Prey Aggression Questionnaire'. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression. Results: Findings indicated significant correlations between `depression, anxiety and stress' and aggression (depression & aggression r=0.828, anxiety & aggression r=0.793, stress & aggression r=0.775; p<0.0005). Depression (p<0.0005) and stress (p<0.05) showed significant predictiveness for aggression, while anxiety did not significant predictiveness (p> 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with aggression in people with drug dependence. This study suggests that addiction treatment centers and cognitive-behavior therapy clinics take into account the psychological co-morbidities present in drug-dependent individuals and attempt to treat them too.