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Panic disorder and depression in female alcoholics
1Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Psychiatric Institute, NY 10032.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Alcoholic women in detox often experience panic disorder and depression. These findings support the self-medication model, suggesting co-occurring mental health issues are common in alcohol dependence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Alcohol use disorder is a significant public health concern.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders are frequently observed in individuals with alcohol dependence.
- The self-medication hypothesis proposes that individuals use substances to alleviate psychiatric symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of panic disorder and depressive illness in alcoholic women undergoing inpatient detoxification.
- To examine the comorbidity of panic disorder and depressive illness in this population.
- To provide preliminary support for the self-medication model of alcoholism.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 25 women admitted to an inpatient detoxification unit for alcoholism was assessed.
- Modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) criteria were used for diagnosis.
- Participants were evaluated for panic disorder and depressive illness.
Main Results:
- Eight (32%) of the 25 women met criteria for panic disorder.
- Two (8%) of the 25 women met criteria for depressive illness.
- Seven (28%) of the 25 women met criteria for both panic disorder and depressive illness.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder and depressive illness are prevalent among alcoholic women in detoxification.
- The high comorbidity rates support the self-medication hypothesis.
- Further research is warranted to explore the complex relationship between substance use disorders and psychiatric comorbidities.