Being depressed may be sobering

William Atkins
Tuesday, 06 October 2009 21:25

Science - Health

The authors concluded, “The risk of case-level anxiety and depression is elevated in individuals with low alcohol consumption compared to those with moderate consumption. Individuals who label themselves as abstainers are at particularly increased risk. This increased risk cannot fully be explained by somatic illness, social activity or 'sick-quitting'.” [Abstract]

According to the October 6, 2009 CNN/Time article “Why Nondrinkers May Be More Depressed,” some reasons for the conclusions found in this study are:

1. “... the abstainers in the study sample were more likely to have illnesses such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and people with chronic illnesses are more prone to melancholy.”

2. “... ‘some people assume it's healthier not to drink,’ says Skogen—which may be particularly true of those who have chronic illnesses.”

3. “... some abstainers were formerly heavy drinkers—alcoholics who had to give up the bottle. It makes sense that they would have more psychological distress than others, but only 14% of the abstainers in the Norway study fit this category.”

4. "The most powerful explanation seems to be that abstainers have fewer close friends than drinkers, even though they tend to participate more often in organized social activities. Abstainers seem to have a harder time making strong friendship bonds, perhaps because they don't have alcohol to lubricate their social interactions. After all, it's easier to reveal your worst fears and greatest hopes to a potential friend after a Negroni or two.”

The CNN/Time article asks the question, “So does this mean we should all have a cocktail?"

Dr. Skogen responds, according to the article: "Maybe, but Skogen says he doesn't believe his study should encourage abstainers to become drinkers. Rather, he says doctors might want to investigate why abstaining patients don't drink and explain that in societies where alcohol use is common, not drinking may lead them to feel left out. Sometimes, you should just say yes.”