PSYCHIATRIC-PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY PRIMARY-CARE PATIENTS WHO MISUSE ALCOHOL

Of 1936 primary care patients screened using the alcohol portion of th e Diagnostic Interview Schedule, 100 met criteria for ''alcohol abuse and/or dependence.'' Sixty of the individuals who misused alcohol were matched to 60 who did not. All 160 patients answered questions about psychiatric symptoms and psychotropic drug use. The lifetime prevalenc e of depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, violent behavio r, and trouble concentrating was consistently higher for those who mis used alcohol. Depression and trouble concentrating were more likely to be experienced by alcohol misusers during the past month. Gender diff erences were also noted for prevalence of psychiatric symptoms.