Personality traits and tobacco smoking among male alcoholics with secondary depression

Introduction After alcohol withdrawal, secondary depression may persists and might be a risk factor for relapse among primary alcoholics. Objectives The differences between male alcoholics with secondary depression (D) and without depression (wD) regarding the personality dimensions and tobacco smoking were explored. Aims The aim was to investigate risk factors for secondary depression. Methods One hundred male primary alcoholics were recruited during inpatient treatment, and 86 completed the study. The assessment of depression by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - HAMD (Hamilton, 1960), the pattern of cigarette use and personality dimensions assessment by Eysenck personality questionnaire – EPQ (Eysenck u0026 Eysenck, 1975) were performed for all participants on admission. After four weeks according HDRS cut off score, they were divided into D group ( n  = 43) and wD ( n  = 43) group. The differences between groups were tested by Student t -test and Pearsonu0027s correlation test was applied. Results The personality traits showed difference between D and wD alcoholics’ subgroups for neuroticism 15.07 ± 4.89 vs. 10.37 ± 4.40 ( P P r  = 0.487, P Conclusions The group of alcoholics with depression started smoking earlier. They were characterized by higher neuroticism and lower extraversion on admission, which could predict persistent secondary depression. Screening on personality traits among alcoholics on admission could improve prevention of secondary depression after alcohol withdrawal.