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March 16, 2009
Alcohol abuse may increase the risk of depression, study suggests
HealthDay (3/6, Preidt) reported that "alcohol abuse may increase the risk of depression, instead of the other way around," according to research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Investigators looked at "1,055 people born in 1977 who were assessed for alcohol abuse and depression at ages 17 to 18, 20 to 21, and 24 to 25."
According to the researchers, "the number of participants who met criteria for alcohol problems and major depression were: 19.4 percent and 18.2 percent, respectively, at ages 17 to 18; 22.4 percent and 18.2 percent at ages 20 to 21; and 13.6 percent and 13.8 percent at ages 24 to 25."
The investigators found that, "at all ages, alcohol abuse or dependence was associated with a 1.9 times increased risk of major depression.
Related Links:
- "Drinking May Trigger Genetic Marker for Depression," Robert Priedt, Healthday, March 6, 2009.
Posted by admin at March 16, 2009 06:51 PM