Antidepressants may increase risk of relapse in some people with alcohol use disorder

According to a new study, antidepressants may reduce the risk of relapse in people with alcohol use disorder—but only if the antidepressants are effective in reducing their depression symptoms. People whose depression symptoms do not improve with antidepressant treatment may have an increased risk for relapse into problem alcohol use. The authors of the study, published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, urge clinicians treating people with alcohol use disorder to vigilantly monitor depression symptoms when prescribing antidepressants. Alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder are among the most prevalent mental disorders and often occur together. Research suggests that alcohol Read More