Autobiographical memory predicts the course of depression during detoxification therapy in alcohol dependent men.
BACKGROUND
Recall of autobiographical memories (AM) has shown to predict the course of depression during psychiatric treatment [British Journal of Psychiatry 162 (1993)]; therefore, we assume that AM also predicts the remissive course of depression during detoxification therapy in alcohol dependent men.


METHODS
In a longitudinal study, 65 patients were assessed twice: at admission to a detoxification unit and about 3 weeks later for follow-up. AM scores at the beginning of the detoxification program were used as predictors in hierarchical regression analyses.


RESULTS
After controlling for initial depression, mental status and degree of alcohol dependence, AM in response to positive and aggressive cue words significantly predicted affective change. These results validate the assumption that AM is a psychological depression marker.


CONCLUSIONS
No data are reported on depression prior to drinking onset.


CONCLUSIONS
As a practical consequence, AM can assist the physician with the decision for concomittant antidepressive therapy during detoxification and rehabilitation of alcohol dependent men.
Mackinger
Herbert F
HF
Institute of Psychology at the University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. herbert.mackinger@sbg.ac.at
Leibetseder
Max F
MF
Kunz-Dorfer
Annemarie A
AA
Fartacek
Reinhold R
RR
Whitworth
Alexandra B
AB
Feldinger
Franziska F
FF
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001325:Autobiographies as Topic; D003463:Cues; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires