Patterns of association between alcohol consumption and symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adults

Abstract

Aims: Recent epidemiological findings indicate that non-drinkers as well as hazardous/harmful drinkers experience higher levels of distress than moderate drinkers. Little is known about the age at which this develops. This paper examines levels of affect, depression and anxiety over the full range of alcohol consumption in young adults. Design: Cross-sectional findings from the first wave of a prospective, longitudinal study are presented. Participants: The general population sample comprised of 2404 young adults (aged 20-24 years), living in the Canberra region. Measures included: the Goldberg Depression and Anxiety scales, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Alcohol Use Diso..