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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Depression and Social Phobia Secondary to Alcohol Dependence
Neuropsychobiology 2007;56:111-118




This study analyzed the characteristics of depression and social phobia secondary to ADD. (1) What is their functional impact? (2) Are they independent or associated conditions? (3) Do they completely remit in abstinent individuals? (4) Is the remission of one disorder associated with the remission of the other disorder?

Baseline comparisons differentiated patients with a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS) score >35 (n = 50; 78%) from those with an HDRS score le35 by higher levels of generalized anxiety and lower global functioning. Patients with generalized social phobia [Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) score >60: n = 20; 31.2%] were not distinguishable from those with an LSAS score le60 by depressive and anxiety disorder symptoms.

In postdetoxification assessment, patients who remitted from depression (HDRS score <7: n =" 35;" alt="ge" src="http://www2.blogger.com/..%5CProdukteDB%5Cimages%5Centity%5Cgteq.gif" border="0">7). Patients who remitted from social phobia (LSAS score <30: n =" 32;">

Depression and social phobia secondary to ADD are independent conditions that do not completely remit after cessation of drinking. Specific treatments are needed to reduce residual depressive and anxiety symptoms in abstinent alcoholics.

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