Long-term predictors of outcome in abstinent alcoholic men

Article Abstract:

The co-existence of a disorder such as depression or schizoaffective disorder has been found to contribute to higher rates of relapse among abstinent alcoholics. Other factors that are thought to influence the prognosis of alcoholism include age, sex, length and nature of alcohol dependence, and interpersonal relationships. Past studies have shown a correlation between a blunted thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response and alcohol withdrawal, which may persist long after detoxification; this effect has also been observed in patients with major depression. Twenty-nine men between the ages of 30 and 66 years who met the accepted diagnostic criteria for alcoholism were evaluated for a number of neuroendocrine variables, including TSH. A psychiatric history of the patients was also taken, including family histories of depression. All of the men had been abstinent for a minimum of two years. Those with a history of depression had received this diagnosis only after the diagnosis of alcoholism. Patients were divided into two subgroups: men who were abstinent for over five years, and those who were abstinent for under five years. All subjects were then followed for two years and factors predictive of long-term outcome were evaluated. Six patients had relapsed at follow-up (21 percent), and one of these had a history of depression. No correlations related to neuroendocrine variables were predictive of outcome. Subjects with depression tended to have shorter periods of abstinence when the study began. The length of abstinence at the start of the study was predictive of outcome; those patients who had been abstinent for the shortest length of time had higher rates of relapse (38 percent); none of the men who were sober for five years or more relapsed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prognosis, Alcoholism, Men, Alcohol use

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Sex is complex

Article Abstract:

The impact of gender on the etiology of psychiatric illness is difficult to determine given the complexity of gender as a research variable. Identifying its effects poses a challenge because it co-varies with other biological, social and psychological factors. Several measures can be taken to deepen the understanding of gender differences in people's predisposition to some psychiatric illnesses. These include focusing on how unaffected men and women differ and approaching the matter using from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Editorial, Demographic aspects, Mental illness, Mental disorders

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Sex differences in cerebral metabolism among abstinent cocaine users

Article Abstract:

Studies of sex differences in clinical presentation and symptoms among cocaine users are discussed in relation to findings of sex differences in cerebral metabolism associated with cocaine use.

Cocaine abuse, Letter to the Editor

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