Suicide risk in alcohol-dependent patient with depression

Abstract

Alcohol addiction is the uncontrolled use of alcohol despite its harmful consequences. Depression consists of a long and continuous period of depressed mood with specific symptoms. Treatment for depression comorbidity in alcohol-dependent patients is essential to prevent complications as the suicide risk. Among adolescents and adults with major depression disorder alcohol abuse enhances the risk of suicide. Among alcohol abusers, risk attempts are usually preceded by depression. This is a case report of a patient with alcohol dependence and severe depression with risk of suicide assisted as an outpatient in the drug abuse research and assistance program of Instituto de Psiquiatria of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. The treatment consisted in the use of antidepressants and cognitive-behavior psychotherapy. The treatment of depression was associated with the achievement of treatment retention, alcohol relapse prevention and suicide risk reduction. The early diagnosis of the comorbidity of depressive disorder in alcohol abusers accomplished by trained professionals is indispensable for adequate treatment and to reduce suicide risk.