Abstract
Background and Objectives
We evaluated gender differences among persons initiating medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Methods
Analyses of baseline assessments for a study evaluating the impact of MOUD on outcomes included: demographics, DSM-5 diagnoses, depression severity, quality of life (QoL), and medication history (N = 125).
Results
When compared to men, women had a greater prevalence of generalized anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders; and worse psychological QoL. Women were less likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications.
Discussion and Conclusions
Women may benefit from tailored multidisciplinary programs with MOUD.
Scientific Significance
This study identified that women with OUD seeking MOUD in the community had greater sedative hypnotic nonprescribed medication use and psychiatric comorbidity than men, all of which can contribute to poorer retention on MOUD and higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Thus, concurrent psychiatric disorder screening and treatment integrated with MOUD may improve retention on MOUD, opioid relapse and overdose for women.