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Neuroticism and depression in alcoholics
1Psychiatry Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange 07019, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 5, 1999
Summary
Neuroticism may be a significant risk factor for depression in individuals with alcoholism. This study found higher neuroticism scores in depressed alcoholics compared to non-depressed controls.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcoholism is a complex condition often co-occurring with mood disorders.
- Understanding the psychological factors contributing to depression in alcoholics is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neuroticism as a potential determinant of depression among individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Main Methods:
- The study included 24 euthymic depressed alcoholics and 18 never-depressed alcoholic controls.
- Participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire to assess personality traits.
Main Results:
- Euthymic depressed alcoholics exhibited significantly higher scores on the neuroticism scale compared to alcoholic controls.
- This finding suggests a potential link between neuroticism and depressive symptoms in this population.
Conclusions:
- Neuroticism may represent a significant risk factor for the development of depression in individuals with alcoholism.
- Further research is needed, as no women alcoholics were included in this study sample.