The disabling nature of comorbid depression among older DUI recipients

Alcoholism and depression are two of the most common and disabling mental i llnesses in late life. This study is a descriptive report of a sample of 49 adults who had recently been convicted of Driving Under the Influence of A lcohol (DUI). A lifetime history of alcohol abuse or dependence was present ill 48 subjects (98%), while a depressive disorder occurred In 24 (49%) of the subjects. Concurrent alcoholism and depression, present in 12 subjects (24.5%), produced greater self-reported disability compared to those subje cts with alcoholism alone. One-year longitudinal follow-up was available on 31 subjects (63.3%). Over the course of one year there were no changes ill drinking behaviour, depressive symptoms, or self-reported quality of life. These data support previous studies that suggest greater disability, in pa tients with concurrent mental illnesses.