Women, Drinking, and Depression: A Deadly Brew

Canadian researchers have found evidence that even minimal drinking is significantly associated with depression and suicidality in women. 496 subjects (201 men and 295 women) took part in a telephone survey designed to assess alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms. Prevalence of depression in women consuming minimal, moderate, and heavy amounts of alcohol was 24.6%, 30.3%, and 44%, respectively. Rates of suicidality in women across drinking groups were particularly striking: 16.3%, 29.6%, and 45.5%, respectively. There was no significant association between alcohol consumption and depression in the male subjects. This study appeared in Comprehensive Psychiatry. http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ycomp/article/PIIS0010440X06000241/abstract

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