Gender differences in the relationship between depressive symptoms and cravings in alcoholism

Am J Addict. 2010 Jul-Aug;19(4):352-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2010.00057.x.

Abstract

This study examines the clinical correlates of alcohol craving in men and women self-referred for addiction treatment. Admission clinical data from patients participating in the Mayo Clinic 1-month Intensive Addictions Program were evaluated. Women had higher BDI and PACS scores compared with men in both the entire cohort and Dual Diagnoses group. Alcohol-dependent females had the most marked correlation between BDI and PACS (rho= .78). Further prospective study is encouraged to evaluate whether depressive symptoms and concomitant alcohol cravings in women are a marker for relief cravings and, as such, a target symptom for treatment intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Alcoholism / psychology*
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry) / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Characteristics