CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL, NICOTINE, AND CAFFEINE AMONG DEPRESSED OUTPATIENTS - RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPONSE TO TREATMENT

The authors present findings from the first investigation of the use o f alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine in nonsubstance-abusing outpatients with major depressive disorder. The patients (N = 94) were assessed fo r their intake of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, and then treated op enly for 8 weeks with 20 mg/day of fluoxetine. The degree of alcohol c onsumption at baseline was a significant predictor of poorer response to the antidepressant. This relationship remained significant even aft er adjusting for severity of depression at baseline. Even moderate lev els of alcohol consumption appear to negatively affect pharmacologic t reatment in depressed outpatients.