Major depressive episode (MDE) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are two disabling conditions that can often co-occur. In fact, one study demonstrated that the presence of one of these conditions doubles the risk of developing the other. These conditions affect many young adults and are a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Co-occurrence of these conditions can also result in a variety of health, economic, and social adverse effects. There is some evidence to suggest that treating both MDE and AUD simultaneously results in the best outcomes. Additional research has indicated that a combination of pharmacological and psychological therapy is the best approach for treating these conditions together. This study examines trends and disparities in the prevalence and treatment of co-occurring MDE and AUD among young adults.   

The study’s sample consisted of 207,895 young adults aged 18-25 (4,393 with co-occurrence of MDE and AUD) who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Presence of major depression symptoms and its result on functional impairment were assessed through an interview with the participant. Participants were screened for alcohol use disorder through analysis of their alcohol use within the past year. Participants were also asked to report any inpatient, outpatient, or prescription medication treatment for MDE within the past 12 months and any treatment or counseling designed to help reduce or stop alcohol use within the past 12 months. Data was analyzed using simple logistic regression analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the prevalence of MDE and AUD and its treatment.  

Results of the data analysis showed an increase in MDE and a decrease in AUD from 2011 to 2019. The co-occurrence of MDE and AUD remained stable between 2011 and 2019. In 2011, 44.6% of participants with both MDE and AUD reported undergoing treatment for MDE which increased to 52.3% in 2019. Treatment of AUD remained stable between 2011 and 2019 at 9.5 to 11.7%. Females were more likely than males to report having MDE only or both conditions and less likely to report AUD only. Females were also more likely to receive treatment for MDE but less likely to receive treatment or AUD or both conditions. Lower rates of MDE and both conditions were reported in those aged 22-25 compared to those aged 18-21. Higher rates of treatment for MDE and both conditions were also observed for those aged 22-25 compared to those aged 18-21. Race/ethnicity, insurance coverage, and household income also impacted the prevalence and treatment of MDE, AUD, and both conditions.  

Takeaway: Many factors, including gender, age, race/ethnicity, insurance coverage, and household income, may provide predictive value when assessing rates of prevalence and treatment of alcohol use disorder and major depressive episode in young adults.  

Lu, W., Kim, J.C., Yoon, A.S., Yun, K.K., Solomon, P.. Trends and disparities in unmet treatment needs for co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorders among young adults in the U.S [published online ahead of print, 2022 Feb 24]. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. 2022;10.1037/ort0000608. doi:10.1037/ort0000608