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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Anxiety and depression among abstainers and low-level alcohol consumers. The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study
Addiction Volume 104 Issue 9, Pages 1519 - 1529

The aim of this study was to examine the levels of anxiety and depression among individuals consuming low levels of alcohol.

A U-shaped association between alcohol consumption and the risk of anxiety and depression was found. Abstention was related to increased odds for both case-level anxiety and depression ). This association was accounted for partly by adjustments for socio-economic status, social network, somatic illness, age (depression only), gender (anxiety only) and 'sick-quitting'.

We also identified significant differences between participants who label themselves as abstainers compared to those who report no usual alcohol consumption, but who do not label themselves as abstainers.

The risk of case-level anxiety and depression is elevated in individuals with low alcohol consumption compared to those with moderate consumption. Individuals who label themselves as abstainers are at particularly increased risk. This increased risk cannot fully be explained by somatic illness, social activity or 'sick-quitting'.


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