Psychiatric Problems Experienced by Primary Care Patients who Misuse Alcohol

Abstract

Of 1936 primary care patients screened using the alcohol portion of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, 100 met criteria for “alcohol abuse and/or dependence.” Sixty of the individuals who misused alcohol were matched to 60 who did not. All 160 patients answered questions about psychiatric symptoms and psychotropic drug use. The lifetime prevalence of depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, violent behavior, and trouble concentrating was consistently higher for those who misused alcohol. Depression and trouble concentrating were more likely to be experienced by alcohol misusers during the past month. Gender differences were also noted for prevalence of psychiatric symptoms.

Key Words:

• Psychiatric symptoms
• Alcohol misuse
• Primary care