This study of alcoholic patients with and without secondary depression
showed that the two groups were almost identical in demographic
characteristics, early-life antisocial problems, quantity and frequency of
drinking, and family history of affective disorder. The depressed patients
reported slightly more alcoholism in their first-degree male relatives and
tended to have more alcohol-related life problems. The only significant
difference between the two groups was that the depressed patients were
heavier users of drugs other than alcohol. Thus severe depression in
alcoholics may be related to a greater intake of drugs in addition to
alcohol.Abstract Teaser