Autobiographical memory predicts the course of depression during detoxification therapy in alcohol dependent men

Mackinger, Herbert F.; Leibetseder, Max F.; Kunz-Dorfer, Annemarie A.; Fartacek, Reinhold R.; Whitworth, Alexandra B.; Feldinger, Franziska F.

doi:10.1016/S0165-0327(02)00181-7

« Previous Next »Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume 78, Issue 1 , Pages 61-65, January 2004

Autobiographical memory predicts the course of depression during detoxification therapy in alcohol dependent men

Herbert F. Mackinger
- Institute of Psychology at the University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +43-662-8044-5114; fax: +43-662-8044-5126.
Max F. Leibetseder
- Social Medical Services for the Province of Salzburg, Fanny von Lehnertstrasse 1, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
Annemarie A. Kunz-Dorfer
- Social Medical Services for the Province of Salzburg, Fanny von Lehnertstrasse 1, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
Reinhold R. Fartacek
- Department of Psychiatry at the Christian Doppler Clinic, Ignaz Harrer Strasse 79, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
Alexandra B. Whitworth
- Department of Psychiatry at the Christian Doppler Clinic, Ignaz Harrer Strasse 79, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
Franziska F. Feldinger
- Social Medical Services for the Province of Salzburg, Fanny von Lehnertstrasse 1, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria

Received 27 October 2001; received in revised form 14 May 2002; accepted 27 May 2002.

Abstract

Background: Recall of autobiographical memories (AM) has shown to predict the course of depression during psychiatric treatment [British Journal of Psychiatry 162 (1993)]; therefore, we assume that AM also predicts the remissive course of depression during detoxification therapy in alcohol dependent men. Methods: In a longitudinal study, 65 patients were assessed twice: at admission to a detoxification unit and about 3 weeks later for follow-up. AM scores at the beginning of the detoxification program were used as predictors in hierarchical regression analyses. Results: After controlling for initial depression, mental status and degree of alcohol dependence, AM in response to positive and aggressive cue words significantly predicted affective change. These results validate the assumption that AM is a psychological depression marker. Limitations: No data are reported on depression prior to drinking onset. Conclusions: As a practical consequence, AM can assist the physician with the decision for concomittant antidepressive therapy during detoxification and rehabilitation of alcohol dependent men.

Keywords: Alcohol dependency, Autobiographical memory, Detoxification, Prediction study, Depression