by Suzanne Rose

Created on: February 12, 2011   Last Updated: February 13, 2011

The physical consequences of alcohol consumption are substantial and well documented, ranging from cancer to liver damage to heart disease and more. The mental health concerns are no less poignant but they can be more complicated to quantify. Substantial links between mental health and alcohol consumption have been seen, and it is important to understand the possible links.

A very strong link has been found between major depressive disorder and alcohol abusers. Depression has a wide variety of significant symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness and loss, constant crying, weight loss, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, suicidal thoughts and more. Those with mental health disorders as well as alcoholism have a very high increase in the rate of suicide. One report by the Mental Health Foundation linked 65% of suicides with excessive drinking.

Anxiety and panic disorder are also related to alcohol consumption. Those with anxiety disorder find themselves frequently in the fight of flight mode, overacting to everyday innocuous stimuli. They may experience a panic attack, which is like a sudden nightmare bringing to life a person's greatest fears. Social phobias may also develop, making it more difficult for the person to function with others and in society.

Even psychotic symptoms have been reported in those who misuse alcohol. Brain neurochemistry may be affected, which can affect mental illness. An individual may experience hallucinations or delusions.

Alcohol consumption can also affect mental health indirectly. For instance, those with an alcohol problem may have difficulty sleeping. This insomnia may affect their stress and anxiety levels. They may also have difficult forming positive relationships with others because of this alcoholism. A lower amount of positive support may allow mental illness to go unchecked. You may also be more likely to engage in criminal behavior or be a victim of a crime, all of which can affect mental health.

It is difficult to determine cause and effect when looking at alcohol consumption and mental health. Many studies look at the rates of alcoholism and the rates of various mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. In the absence of random assignment of samples, cause and effect cannot be specifically determined. For instance, does alcohol cause a person to become depressed or is one depressed because they are dependent upon alcohol?

When alcohol is involved it can be more difficult to diagnose and treat disorders such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. Without proper treatment these can worsen.

Many links between alcohol and mental health disorders do exist, and some studies have attempted to look for physical links that can cause mental illness. Many scientists hypothesize a strong link between the two. There should be careful consideration by anyone imbibing alcohol.

The studies on alcohol consumption and mental health continue. Researchers will hopefully find links that can help them understand this connection. With understanding, better forms of treatment may occur.

Resources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/0009 44.htm

http://www.knowyourlimits.info/TheEffectsOfAlcohol.a spx

http://at-ease.dva.gov.au/www/html/79-alcohol-and-me ntal-health.asp

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