Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and/or dependence in a population-based sample of young adults and assess the prevalence of comorbid mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide risk in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled 1,953 young adults aged 18-35 years. The CAGE questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol abuse and/or dependence, with CAGE scores X 2 considered positive. Psychiatric disorders were investigated through the structured Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Results: Alcohol abuse and/or dependence was identified in 187 (9.60%) individuals (5.10% among women and 15.20% among men). Alcohol abuse and/or dependence were more prevalent among men than women, as well as among those who used tobacco, illicit drugs or presented with anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and suicide risk. Conclusion: These findings suggest that alcohol abuse and/or dependence are consistently associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, could be considered important predictors of other psychiatric disorders, and deserve greater public heath attention, pointing to the need for alcohol abuse prevention programs.Keywords: Alcohol abuse and/or dependence; anxiety; mood disorder; depression; suicide risk
IntroductionAlcohol consumption is highly prevalent worldwide and has numerous negative consequences for health and quality of life, especially in the young population. 1 Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are among the most frequently diagnosed disorders, with a 12-month prevalence rate of 8.5%. 2 In the United States alone, according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 37.9% of young adults reported binge drinking (four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men on an occasion) at least once in the past 30 days. 3 Moreover, studies have shown a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking or drug abuse among subjects who engage in heavy or frequent binge drinking. [3][4][5] AUDs are highly comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders in adults and are associated with substantial societal and personal costs. In a study conducted by Grant et al., among adults seeking treatment for an AUD, 40.69% and 33.3% were diagnosed with at least one current comorbid mood disorder and anxiety disorder, respectively. 6 The diagnosis of current mood or anxiety disorders among individuals with AUD is challenging, because many symptoms of intoxication, for example, resemble those of mood and anxiety disorders. 7 In addition to mood disorders and anxiety, other serious problems that can develop in people with AUDs include violent behavior and suicide attempts. 8 Alcoholics are 60 to 120 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to the general population. 9 Furthermore, studies demonstrate that 85 out of every 100 individuals who complete suicide had comorbid depression and/or alcoholism. 10 Individuals with AUDs should be evaluated for the risk of suicide whenever they present with depressive symptoms, 11 Psiquiatria. 2018;40:1-5 Br...