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Changes in depression among abstinent alcoholics.
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, California 92161.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Depression significantly improves in male alcoholics during inpatient treatment, with most cases resolving within 4 weeks. Mood symptoms decrease fastest, but vegetative symptoms persist, suggesting delayed medication use.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Alcoholism frequently co-occurs with depression.
- Understanding the temporal relationship between alcoholism treatment and depressive symptom resolution is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate and pattern of change in depressive symptoms among male primary alcoholics during inpatient treatment.
- To determine the optimal timing for considering interventions like antidepressant medication.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design.
- 191 male primary alcoholics were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at admission and weekly for 4 weeks.
- Analysis of symptom changes over the treatment course.
Main Results:
- 42% of patients presented with clinically significant depression (HDRS ≥ 20) at intake.
- Depressive symptoms significantly decreased, with only 6% remaining clinically depressed at Week 4.
- The most substantial reduction in depressive symptoms occurred by Week 2.
- Mood-related symptoms showed the most rapid improvement, while vegetative symptoms remained prevalent at discharge.
Conclusions:
- Depressive symptoms in male alcoholics treated inpatient generally resolve within 4 weeks of abstinence.
- Antidepressant medication is likely unnecessary for most patients within the first 4 weeks of treatment.
- Focus should be on addressing mood and vegetative symptoms during early treatment stages.