V. Modesto-lowe et Hr. Kranzler, Diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-dependent patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders, ALCOHOL R H, 23(2), 1999, pp. 144-149
Psychiatric disorders occur move often among alcoholics than among the gene
ral population, The psychiatric disorders that alcoholics most frequently e
xperience include mood disorders (e.g., depression), anxiety disorders, and
antisocial personality disorder. The evaluation of psychiatric symptoms in
alcoholic patients is complicated by the multiple relationships that exist
among heavy drinking, psychiatric symptoms, and personality factors, For e
xample, alcoholics with co-occurring depression may be at greater risk of p
sychosocial problems, relapse, and suicide. Conversely, heavy drinking may
produce or worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety, Although clinical expe
rience provides general guidance for treating these patients, further resea
rch is needed to develop effective psychosocial and pharmacological therapi
es aimed at specific combinations of psychiatric and addictive disorders.