Psychiatric Problems Experienced by Primary Care Patients who Misuse Alcohol

100of 1936 primary care patients who met criteria for alcohol abuse &/or dependence were included in this study. 60 of these individuals were matched to 60 people who did not misuse alcohol. All 160 patients answered questions about psychiatric symptoms & psychotropic drug use. The lifetime prevalence of depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, violent behaviour, & trouble concentrating was consistently higher for those who misused alcohol. Depression & trouble concentrating were more likely to be experienced by alcohol misusers during the past month. Gender differences were noted for the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms. (27 refs.) JA