The Co-Occurrence of Depression and Alcohol Dependence Symptoms in a Community Sample of Lesbians

Numerous studies have found an association between depression and alcohol use disorders in women.

Little is known, however, about the relationship between depression and alcohol use among lesbians.

We examined the prevalence of depression and alcohol dependence symptoms as well as the co-occurrence of these two health problems in a large community-based sample of women who self-identified as lesbian.

Past year alcohol dependence symptoms were significantly associated with both past year and lifetime depression.

Lifetime depression was higher among White and Latina lesbians than among African American lesbians.

Younger women and those not currently in a committed relationship more commonly reported past year depression.

Younger age was the strongest predictor of the co-occurrence of depression and alcohol dependence symptoms.

Research report; Wendy B Bostwick, Tonda L. Hughes & Timothy Johnson. The Co-Occurrence of Depression and Alcohol Dependence Symptoms in a Community Sample of Lesbians. Journal of Lesbian Studies, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 2005

What is Brief-TSF?

Brief-TSF can be used with males, females and youth of any age and is readily adaptable to various cultures or lifestyles.

Brief-TSF is ideally suited to primary care as well inpatient clinics, outpatient clinics or office practice.

Brief-TSF incorporates screening and assessment instruments and methods for differentiating between alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Brief-TSF is ideally suited for counseling that is a required component of craving reduction medication prescribing.

The generic spiritual principles are acceptable to most treatment organizations and religions.

The basic Brief-TSF principles can be adapted and applied to drug addiction, excessive gambling, eating disorders and emotional problems that have psychological, emotional, physical, spiritual and mental aspects.

Brief-TSF is a both a Harm Prevention and a Harm Minimization strategy. By intervening earlier in the progression of alcoholism much harm will be prevented.

The overall recovery goal of the program is the restoration of health and freedom from the effects of addiction to the drug alcohol or alcoholism.

Brief-TSF addresses the medical, psychological, social and spiritual effects of alcoholism.

Brief-TSF can be utilized by doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, faith based workers, trained volunteers and counselors.