[Alcohol dependence and abuse and psychiatric disorders].

Alcohol dependence increases the risk of associated psychiatric disorders. The most common disorders are depression, anxiety and personality disorders. Depression is usually secondary to alcohol dependence. It is often associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. The best suited treatment for an association between alcohol dependence and depression is alcohol withdrawal. Antidepressant treatment should only be initiated after at least two weeks of complete withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal is also suggested for the association between anxiety and alcoholism. Some forms of anxiety, such as social phobia, are particularly often associated with alcoholism, since alcohol is often used for its anxiolytic and disinhibition effects.