The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
ARTICLESNo Access

Are All Recently Detoxified Alcoholics Depressed?

Reports of the prevalence of depression among alcoholics vary from 3% to 98%; the authors attribute this variation to the use of different diagnostic criteria. They used clinical diagnosis, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the MMPI to diagnose 35 men recently withdrawn from alcohol. The percentages of depression diagnosed were 8.6%, 28%, 66%, and 43%, respectively. The authors point out that the Hamilton, Zung, and MMPI scales are not diagnostic of depression in themselves and that accurate diagnosis of depression in alcoholics will reduce inappropriate treatment of nondepressed alcoholics and ensure careful treatment of the truly depressed.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.