Risks of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders among Thais with alcohol use disorders and illicit drug use: Findings from the 2008 Thai National Mental Health survey

Little is known about the risks of mood and anxiety disorders among Asians with alcohol use disorders and the effect of illicit drug use in this population. All participants from the 2008 Thai National Mental Health survey (N=17,140) were assessed for current major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and alcohol use disorders by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and were interviewed for illicit drug use within one year prior to their assessment. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine (a) whether alcohol use disorders were associated with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders and (b) whether the use of illicit drugs increased these associations. Sex, age, marital status, region, and educational level were found to be significantly associated with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders and were taken into account in the regression analysis. Compared with the general population, individuals with alcohol use disorders alone had significantly increased risks of major depressive disorder (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.76–3.53 in men and OR 4.09, 95%CI 2.31–7.26 in women) and anxiety disorders (OR 2.21, 95%CI 1.46–3.36 in men and OR 4.34, 95%CI 2.35–8.03 in women). The risks became higher among individuals with both alcohol use disorders and illicit drug use (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.64–8.01 in men and OR 11.53, 95%CI 1.32–100.65 in women for major depressive disorder, and OR 3.20, 95%CI 1.36–7.51 in men and OR 13.10, 95%CI 1.48–115.60 in women for anxiety disorders). In conclusion, alcohol use disorders were significantly associated with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Illicit drug use was an important factor in increasing these associations, especially in women. Screening for depression, anxiety, and illicit drug use should be done in individuals with alcohol use disorders.