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Preliminary data on seasonally related alcohol dependence
1Department of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J. 07666.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Some individuals with alcohol dependence experience worsening symptoms in fall and winter, potentially linked to seasonal affective disorder. This suggests seasonal mood disorders may impact alcohol use patterns.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Seasonal Affective Disorders
Background:
- Investigating seasonal patterns in alcohol dependence.
- Exploring the link between alcohol use and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Observation:
- Screening of Veterans Administration inpatients for seasonal alcohol use patterns.
- Interviews conducted with individuals exhibiting fall-winter alcohol use deterioration.
Findings:
- Identified six individuals meeting criteria for seasonal alcohol dependence.
- Confirmed a correlation between seasonal mood changes and alcohol dependence in a subset of patients.
Implications:
- Suggests evaluating alcoholic patients for seasonal affective disorder.
- Highlights light therapy as a potential complementary treatment for seasonal alcohol dependence.