The Effects of Major Depression on Alcoholism

Some patients come into treatment with clear cases of both major depression (MDD) and alcoholism. Although assumptions are often made about the relationships of these two conditions, little empirical information exists on the effects of changes in MDD on the course of alcoholism in patients presenting at psychiatric facilities. The authors used survival analysis with time‐dependent covariates to investigate the effects of remissions and relapses of MDD on the 5‐year course of alcoholism in 127 dual diagnosis patients. Changes in the status of MDD bad strong, significant effects on the course of alcoholism. Improvement in MDD status increased the chances of remission in alcoholism and reduced the chances of alcoholism relapse. The status of MDD appears to have an effect on the course of alcoholism in patients with severe affective disorders.