The effect of a history of alcohol dependence in adult major depression.
We examined 180 patients with a principal diagnosis of Major Depression, with or without a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol dependence. In the ever-dependent group, the GAF was lower; cannabis dependence higher; and Borderline, Schizotypal and Paranoid personality disorders more common. They reported more paranoia and interpersonal sensitivity on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and more friction and interpersonal behaviour on the Social Adjustment Scale. On the Temperament and Character Inventory, novelty seeking was higher and persistence and cooperativeness lower. PBI scores and family histories did not differ significantly. Treatment outcome did not vary, except that subjects with lifetime alcohol dependence and current heavy drinking did less well.
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. alma.rae@chmeds.ac.nz
Alma M
AM
Rae
Peter R
PR
Joyce
Suzanne E
SE
Luty
Roger T
RT
Mulder
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology*; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking