Depression, Automatic Negative Thought, Attitude Distortion and Cognitive Distortion of Methamphetamine Addicts Age 18–24 Years

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the
relationship between cognitive distortion and depression, automatic negative
thought, and attitude distortion among methamphetamine addicts at drug
rehabilitation centers in Thailand. The recruited 421 addicts were all male,
age ranging between 18-25 years. Data were collected during January to
March, 2016, using a questionnaire that adapted Beck’s depression inventory
(BID), the negative automatic thought question (ATQ) of Kendell and Holl,
the dysfunction attitude scale (DAS) of Weissman, and the cognitive distortion
scale (CD) of Covin. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. The results
of the study showed that one-third of the addicts had symptoms of depression.
One-six had negative automatic thought all the time, while 14% had dysfunction
attitude, and 15% had cognitive distortion. The most common form of
cognitive distortion was ‘Minimizing or Disqualifying the Positive’, followed
by ‘Should Statements’, and ‘Catastrophizing.’ The high negative automatic
thought, depression and high dysfunction attitude were associated with high
cognitive distortion. Thus, before providing talk therapy, methamphetamine
addicts should be assessed for negative automatic thought, depression,
dysfunction attitude and cognitive distortion. These information are helpful
to select and intensify interventions to enable more efficient and effective
rehabilitation.