Alcohol Use Disorders and Major Depression

Question 1

IS there a connection between depression and alcohol use disorders

Answer 1

Yes- strong connection

Question 2

How can alcohol use and depression be linked

Answer 2

Alcohol can affect brain chemistry

Hangovers can increase anxiety and feelings of guilt

Alcohol affects sleep

Alcohol can become a coping mechanism for difficult emotion, life events

Alcohol has physical and social harms (loss of job, relationship) which can lead to depression

Question 3

What are some possible causes of the alcohol and depression

Answer 3

Alcohol use disorder has a role in development of depression due to social, legal and family circumstances and physical health

Genetic factors link both conditions increased risk of AUD and MD in people with specific genotypes

Alcohol exposure causes metabolic changes that increase the risk of MD. Alcohol use could alter circadian rhythms in people with specific genotypes

Question 4

What are the most effective methods of treating those with AUDs and depression

Answer 4

anti-depressant medication plus therapies e.h. MET, 12 step and cognitive therapy are most effective