Changes in depression among abstinent alcoholics.

TLDR

The study examined how depressive symptoms change over inpatient treatment among male primary alcoholics without preexisting psychiatric disorders. 191 alcoholics were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at admission and weekly for four weeks during treatment. While 42% were clinically depressed at intake, only 6% remained depressed by week four, with the greatest symptom reduction at week two, mood‑related symptoms resolving fastest, vegetative symptoms persisting at discharge, and the data suggesting antidepressants are unnecessary before four weeks of abstinence.

Abstract

The rate and pattern of change in depressive symptoms among male primary alcoholics (no preexisting major psychiatric disorder) were studied throughout inpatient treatment for alcoholism. A sample of 191 alcoholics was interviewed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale within 48 hours of admission and again at each of the 4 weeks of treatment. Results indicate that 42% of alcoholics have clinically significant levels of depression (Hamilton greater than or equal to 20) at intake but only 6% remain clinically depressed at Week 4. Depressive symptoms of alcoholics abate quickly with the largest reduction in scores at Week 2. Mood related symptoms constitute the largest portion of presenting depression and abate most rapidly. Vegetative symptoms remain the most prevalent type of depressive symptom at discharge. Results suggest that antidepressant medication should not be considered prior to 4 weeks of abstinence.