Alcohol Use Disorder and Comorbid Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effectiveness of Supportive Text Messages in Aiding Recovery.
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Authors
O'Reilly, Helen
Hagerty, Aisling
O'Donnell, Seamus
Farrell, Aoife
Hartnett, Dan
Murphy, Edel
Kehoe, Elizabeth
Agyapong, Vincent
McLoughlin, Declan M
Farren, Conor
Issue Date
2019-Jan-09
Type
Journal Article
Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the impact of daily supportive text messages over a 6-month treatment period on mood and alcohol consumption in individuals with a dual diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression following completion of an inpatient treatment programme.
Ninety-five adult participants with AUD and comorbid depression were recruited into this randomized control trial, which took place after completing a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (n = 47) received twice-daily supportive text messages over 6-months while control participants (n = 48) had treatment as usual for a 6-month period, with an added 6-month post-treatment follow-up for both groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were measured at baseline, 3- and 6-month treatment points and 6-month post treatment follow up.
Depression scores (P = 0.02) and perceived stress scores (P < 0.01) were significantly reduced at 3-month treatment point in the intervention group relative to control participants with small to medium effect. The intervention group also showed a significantly greater reduction in units per drinking day from baseline to 6-month treatment point compared to the control group with a medium effect size (P = 0.03). There were no differences in drinking or mood measures at 6-month post treatment follow-up.
Supportive text messages provide an early initial benefit in decreasing symptoms of depression and stress, with a further positive impact on alcohol consumption following a longer treatment period. Benefits did not persist six months after the intervention ended.
Ninety-five adult participants with AUD and comorbid depression were recruited into this randomized control trial, which took place after completing a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (n = 47) received twice-daily supportive text messages over 6-months while control participants (n = 48) had treatment as usual for a 6-month period, with an added 6-month post-treatment follow-up for both groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were measured at baseline, 3- and 6-month treatment points and 6-month post treatment follow up.
Depression scores (P = 0.02) and perceived stress scores (P < 0.01) were significantly reduced at 3-month treatment point in the intervention group relative to control participants with small to medium effect. The intervention group also showed a significantly greater reduction in units per drinking day from baseline to 6-month treatment point compared to the control group with a medium effect size (P = 0.03). There were no differences in drinking or mood measures at 6-month post treatment follow-up.
Supportive text messages provide an early initial benefit in decreasing symptoms of depression and stress, with a further positive impact on alcohol consumption following a longer treatment period. Benefits did not persist six months after the intervention ended.
Description
Citation
O'Reilly, H., Hagerty, A., O'Donnell, S., Farrell, A., Hartnett, D., Murphy, E., Kehoe, E., Agyapong, V., McLoughlin, D. M., & Farren, C. (2019). Alcohol Use Disorder and Comorbid Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effectiveness of Supportive Text Messages in Aiding Recovery. Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire), 54(5), 551–558. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agz060
Publisher
License
© The Author(s) 2019. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Journal
Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Volume
54
Issue
5
PubMed ID
ISSN
1464-3502