The relationship between DSM-IV alcohol use disorders and DSM-IV major depression: examination of the primary-secondary distinction in a general population sample

This study examined the primary-secondary distinction with respect to DSM-IV alcohol use disorders and major depression in a large representative sample of the USA. Primary, secondary and concurrent depressives (i.e. the comorbid groups), respondents classified with major depression only and respondents classified with alcohol use disorders only were compared on a large number of sociodemographic, alcohol-related, depression-related and drug-related variables. Results were at variance with a majority of findings from the treatment literature with regard to familial aggregation of alcohol use disorders and sociodemographic, alcohol and depression profiles. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the primary-secondary distinction.