Female Drinkers More Depressed, Study SaysJune 9, 2005
Research Summary
Women who consume 15 or more drinks each week are more likely to depressed or suffer from anxiety disorders, according to Australian researchers.Women's Health News reported June 8 that study author Rose Alati and associates from the University of Queensland drew the link between drinking and mental illness, although they also noted that drinkers also tended to be smokers, and from low-income groups, as well. "In part these relationships may be responsible for the association between heavy drinking and symptoms of anxiety and depression," Alati said.
The study of women in their 30s found that light drinkers -- those consuming up to 5 drinks per week -- had the lowest level of depression and anxiety. For women in their 20s and 40s, however, abstainers had the lowest rates of mental-health problems. Alati said the study hinted that the relationship between alcohol and mental health may change over the course of a woman's life.
The research was part of the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy, a large longitudinal study tracking mothers and their children from pre-birth to early adulthood.
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