Gender differences in psychiatric morbidity among alcohol misusers

Sociodemographic characteristics, patterns and effects of alcohol abuse, and psychiatric morbidity were compared in 121 men and 121 women using structured interviews, and diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-III and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied. Women were more likely to be binge drinkers, to have premorbid anxiety, and to be diagnosed with primary depression. Men cited social reasons for drinking, whereas women were more likely to drink to alleviate anxiety. Women also were more likely to have a family history of psychiatric disorder and/or alcohol misuse. More women were drinking at home alone than men, but almost as many were drinking openly with their spouses or friends.