Targeting Adolescent Alcohol Dependence May Prevent Depression in Young Adults
Targeting Adolescent Alcohol Dependence May Prevent Depression in Young Adults MD Magazine
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Link Between Alcohol Dependence During Adolescence and Risk of Depression in Young Adulthood
Gemma Hammerton, PhD
Credit: University of Bristol
New research has revealed a significant link between alcohol dependence during adolescence and the risk of depression in young adulthood. The severity of alcohol dependence at age 18 was found to be more relevant in predicting depression than the rate at which alcohol dependence changed over time.1
Approximately 90,000 people in the US experience alcohol abuse each year.2 This study aimed to expand our understanding of the relationship between alcohol use and the development of depression, which is still an area that requires further investigation.1
Study Design and Participants
Dr. Gemma Hammerton from the Population Health Sciences at Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, and her team conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate whether alcohol dependence during adolescence increases the risk of depression in young adulthood. The study focused on adolescents born to women recruited to the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in Avon, UK.
The study involved 3,902 adolescents, with 58% of the population being female and 42% being male. The majority of participants (96.7%) were of white ethnicity. Data on alcohol dependence and consumption were collected at various ages, specifically around 16, 18, 19, 21, and 23 years, using the self-reported Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test.
Additionally, data corresponding to DSM-IV symptoms were gathered around ages 18, 21, and 23 years. The primary outcome measured was depression at age 24, assessed with the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised.
Findings and Implications
The findings of the study revealed significant associations between alcohol dependence, depression, and alcohol consumption. When examining the relationship between alcohol dependence at 18 years of age and depression at 24 years, the researchers observed a positive link (0.13 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.25, P = 0.019]), suggesting that alcohol dependence during adolescence could potentially increase the risk of depression in young adulthood.
However, when investigating the rate of change in alcohol dependence and its association with depression, the team found no significant link (0.10 [95% CI, -0.82 to 1.01, P = 0.84]).
The researchers stated, “Our findings therefore suggest that high frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption might not increase the risk of depression during young adulthood unless there are also features of dependency involved. We found no evidence that a faster increase in levels of dependence across adolescence was associated with depression at age 24 years, and only small variability in the rate of change over time.”
Regarding alcohol consumption, the study found no meaningful association between the frequency or quantity of alcohol consumption during adolescence and the risk of depression in young adulthood (latent intercept probit coefficient: -0.01 [95% CI, -0.06 to 0.03, P = 0.60]; linear slope coefficient: 0.01 [95% CI, -0.40 to 0.42, P = 0.96]).
The researchers concluded that the magnitude of the association between dependence and depression remains fairly constant over adolescence and that the timepoint for considering levels of alcohol dependence (between ages 16 and 23 years) may not be particularly important. They also highlighted the need for more studies to test the hypothesis that alcohol dependence, but not consumption, during adolescence increases the risk of depression during young adulthood.
References:
- Hammerton G, Lewis G, Heron J, Fernandes G, Hickman M, Lewis G. The association of alcohol dependence and consumption during adolescence with depression in young adulthood, in England: a prospective cohort study [published correction appears in Lancet Psychiatry. 2023 Jun 9;:]. Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(7):490-498. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00138-4
- Walter K. Explaining the Pathways of Alcohol Abuse. HCPLive. April 26, 2020. https://www.hcplive.com/view/pathways-alcohol-abuse
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
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Source: hcplive.com
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