The disabling nature of comorbid depression among older DUI recipients.
Alcoholism and depression are two of the most common and disabling mental illnesses in late life. This study is a descriptive report of a sample of 49 adults who had recently been convicted of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI). A lifetime history of alcohol abuse or dependence was present in 48 subjects (98%), while a depressive disorder occurred in 24 (49%) of the subjects. Concurrent alcoholism and depression, present in 12 subjects (24.5%), produced greater self-reported disability compared to those subjects with alcoholism alone. One-year longitudinal follow-up was available on 31 subjects (63.3%). Over the course of one year, there were no changes in drinking behavior, depressive symptoms, or self-reported quality of life. These data support previous studies that suggest greater disability in patients with concurrent mental illnesses.
Oslin
D W
DW
Center for the Study of Addictions, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA. oslin@mail.med.upenn.edu
O'Brien
C P
CP
Katz
I R
IR
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index