Depression and heavy drinking occasions: A cross-sectional general population study

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between depression and heavy drinking occasions in the Finnish general population. A subsample (2086/4020, response rate 51.9%) of the National FINRISK 2007 Study was used. Depression was assessed with a modified Beck Depression Inventory (short form) and alcohol problems with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Total alcohol intake and number of heavy drinking occasions (≥ 7 drinks for men, ≥ 5 drinks for women) were evaluated using the Timeline Followback. Of the sample, 13.0% (123/946) of men and 17.4% (198/1140) of women were classified as being depressed. Further, 7.5% (71/946) of men and 3.5% (40/1140) of women reported having at least four heavy drinking occasions in the previous 28 days. In an adjusted logistic regression model, these men had a 2.6-fold risk (95% C.I. 1.2–5.3) of depression, as compared to men with less than four heavy drinking occasions. The association was found irrespective of total alcohol consumption and alcohol problems. This association was not found in women.

Research Highlights
► Weekly heavy drinking occasions were associated with depression in men irrespective of total alcohol consumption.
► No association between depression and heavy drinking occasions was found in women.
► The relevance of examining patterns of alcohol use rather than total consumption alone is highlighted.