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Managing depressive symptoms in the context of abstinence: findings from a qualitative study of women.

Ambrogne JA

Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA. jambrogn@binghamton.edu

PROBLEM: In both community and clinical studies, higher rates of co-occurring depression and substance use disorder have been found in women. Within the past decade, there has been a plethora of research addressing co-occurring depression and substance abuse. However, comparatively few studies include individuals who suffer with depressive symptoms, which may not meet specific diagnostic criteria despite the significant impairment they may experience. METHOD: An ethnographic method was used to elicit the experiences of women dependent on alcohol and/or other substances and who have stopped drinking and/or using. FINDINGS: Findings corroborated those from previous studies in which depressive symptoms preceded substance abuse and continued during sustained abstinence. Separation in services between mental health and substance abuse resulted in fragmented care. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, recommendations for screening, assessment, and treatment implications are forwarded.

Published 28 March 2007 in Perspect Psychiatr Care, 43(2): 84-92.
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