Alcohol Use and Depression: Public Health and Clinical Implications Pages 156-160

Sivasankaran Balaratnasingam1,2 and Aleksandar Janca2

1Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service, Broome WA 6725, Australia; 2School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Medical Research, Foundation Building, 50 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12970/2310-8231.2014.02.03.4

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Abstract: Alcohol is used on a national level as a social relaxant. Yet, misuse of alcohol can lead to considerably harms. In clinical psychiatry, the presence of comorbid alcohol abuse and depression are commonly encountered. This presents a challenging scenario for clinicians in terms of diagnostic conundrums, prognostic issues and treatment paradigms. This article reviews findings of key studies in the subject and offers practical suggestions to workers in the field. It also highlights the need for governments and public health agencies to focus on this important and highly prevalent problem.
Keywords: Depression, Alcohol Treatment, Co-morbidity, Epidemiology. Read more