DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2026.0151

Faculty Advisor

Laura Reed, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FNAP 

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 5-6-2026

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Investigative Techniques | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Nursing Administration | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Substance use disorder (SUD) frequently co-occurs with depression and increases relapse risk and healthcare utilization. Although medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based intervention for SUD, outcomes for adults with co-occurring depression remain inconsistently reported due to variation in study designs, treatment settings, and measures. This scoping review examines evidence on MAT use among adults with co-occurring depression and SUD and summarized reported clinical and healthcare utilization outcomes.

Methods

From August 2023 to November 2025, a scoping literature review was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, using MeSH search terms and Boolean operators to link the concepts defined in the PICOT. Of the initial twenty-one peer-reviewed articles, eleven studies were screened and chosen through meeting the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) and rapid critical appraisal tool (RCT) criteria. To synthesize results, an outcome synthesis table and level of evidence table were created.

Results

Across eleven peer reviewed articles, MAT showed reduced relapse, improved abstinence, and improved depressive symptoms, especially when paired with behavioral therapy and integrated care. Several healthcare utilization outcomes suggested reduced emergency department use and lower readmission risk among patients receiving MAT.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Implementing MAT for adults with co-occurring depression and substance use disorder should be supported to reduce relapse and potentially lower readmission rates. Nursing practice should emphasize integrated models including behavioral therapy, coordinated follow-up across settings, and systematic tracking of readmissions alongside depression outcomes.

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