title: Psychological interventions for alcohol misuse among people with co-occurring depression or anxiety disorders: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse frequently co-occur. While there is an extensive literature reporting on the efficacy of psychological treatments that target depression, anxiety or alcohol misuse separately, less research has examined treatments that address these disorders when they co-occur. We conducted a systematic review to determine whether psychological interventions that target alcohol misuse among people with co-occurring depressive or anxiety disorders are effective.
  
  
  METHODS
  We systematically searched the PubMed and PsychINFO databases from inception to March 2010. Individual searches in alcohol, depression and anxiety were conducted, and were limited to 'human' published 'randomized controlled trials' or 'sequential allocation' articles written in English.
  
  
  METHODS
  We identified randomized controlled trials that compared manual guided psychological interventions for alcohol misuse among individuals with depressive or anxiety disorders. Of 1540 articles identified, eight met inclusion criteria for the review.
  
  
  METHODS
  From each study, we recorded alcohol and mental health outcomes, and other relevant clinical factors including age, gender ratio, follow-up length and drop-out rates. Quality of studies was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral interventions were associated with significant reductions in alcohol consumption and depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. Although brief interventions were associated with significant improvements in both mental health and alcohol use variables, longer interventions produced even better outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is accumulating evidence for the effectiveness of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy for people with co-occurring alcohol and depressive or anxiety disorders.
authors: Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Amanda.Baker@newcastle.edu.au
authors: Amanda L
authors: AL
authors: Baker
authors: Louise K
authors: LK
authors: Thornton
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Hiles
authors: Leanne
authors: L
authors: Hides
authors: Dan I
authors: DI
authors: Lubman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062405:Motivational Interviewing; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic