Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026
05:12
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
1.4K
Alcohol, Anxiety, and Depressive Disorders
1Marc A. Schuckit, M.D., is a professor of psychiatry at the University of California-San Diego, School of Medicine, and director of the Alcohol Research Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, California.
Alcohol Health and Research World
|December 5, 2019
Summary
Many alcoholics experience depression and anxiety, but these conditions may not cause alcoholism. If linked, the association is likely in a small subgroup, and psychological symptoms worsen alcohol problems.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is frequently accompanied by depression and anxiety.
- Individuals with alcohol dependence often report using alcohol to self-medicate these psychological symptoms.
- The causal relationship between pre-existing anxiety/depressive disorders and alcoholism is not definitively established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the complex interaction between alcohol dependence and independent anxiety/depressive disorders.
- To clarify the potential association and its prevalence in alcohol-dependent populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of family studies.
- Prospective investigations.
- Studies of children of alcoholics.
Main Results:
- Evidence does not unanimously support pre-existing severe depressive or anxiety disorders as a common cause of alcoholism.
- If an association exists, it likely involves a small subgroup of alcoholics.
- Psychological symptoms may be associated with a worse prognosis for alcohol-related problems.
Conclusions:
- The link between alcoholism and co-occurring anxiety/depressive disorders is complex and may not be causal for most individuals.
- Early intervention for psychological symptoms is crucial for improving outcomes in alcoholism treatment.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific subgroups affected by this comorbidity.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
439
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
439
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
949
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
949
01:28Depressants
339
Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
339
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
583
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
583
01:18Anxiety: Overview
831
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
831
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
388
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
388