Depression and Alcohol Dependence:One Syndrome or Two? A Comparison of Disability, Suicidal Risk and Coping Styles

Depression and Alcoholism are common disabling conditions and are associated with high suicidal risk . Some researchers have postulated that depressive patients have maladaptive coping strategies, whereas others have suggested alcohol consumption as coping against depression The present study was conducted at Vidya Sagar Department of Psychiatry, PGIMS, Rohtak (Haryana). Thirty patients each of severe depression and alcohol dependence (as per ICD-10) were evaluated on Disability Assessment Schedule, Suicide Risk Estimator Scale, Defense Style Questionnaire and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The two groups were compared on these parameters and subjected to relevant statistical analysis using SPSS 7.5. Alcohol group had significantly higher number of married patients, higher male-female ratio and more urban patients, than depression group. Depressive group showed higher disability and suicidal risk. However, striking similarities in the socio-demographic variables and coping strategies may be indicative of the much-talked about common etiological link between these disorders. Further research in this area appears rewarding.