A study from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine examined the link between depression and alcoholism, and found that it the disorders develop differently in men and women. Women tend to drink and become alcoholic because they are depressed, while men tend to develop depression after becoming alcoholics.

After studying more than 5,000 adults over age 30, the researchers concluded that genetic precursors to mood disorders may explain why alcoholism runs in certain families.

"Our study suggests that familial factors that underlie mood-related drinking motives are the same factors that contribute to the overlapping familial risk for mood disorders and alcoholism," said UC professor Victor Hasselbrock, a co-author of the study.

Depressive disorders have been increasing every year since 1915. They affect nine percent of women and five percent of men. In young people, adolescent depression has been associated with an increased risk of eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and a host of other concerns.

Labels: alcoholism, depression, genetics

Posted By: Aspen/CRC