A new study led by SERAF shows that patients undergoing heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) in Norway report a gradual improvement in their mental health over 12 months. However, the survey reveals that symptoms of anxiety and depression persist in many.
In Myklebust et al. (2025), researchers followed 79 patients during the first year of HAT and analyzed changes in self-reported mental health and symptoms of anxiety and depression. At 12 months, the proportion of patients who rated their mental health as 'good' increased by 35%, while the proportion with 'poor' health decreased by 48%. Nevertheless, an overall improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression was not observed. The findings suggest that HAT may contribute to increased well-being and mental health, but also that mental disorders need to be addressed specifically with integrated treatment measures.
Myklebust LH, Eide D, Wüsthoff LE C, Melis F, Oldervoll A, De Pirro S, Clausen T. Changes in Self-Reported Mental Health, Anxiety, and Depression among Patients in Heroin-Assisted Treatment: Findings from a Norwegian Trial Project. European Addiction Research, 2025; 31(4): 286–296. DOI:10.1159/000547375