Screening psychiatric emergency department patients with major mental illnesses for at-risk drinking

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of at-risk drinking in a psychiatric emergency service and compared the characteristics and functioning of at-risk drinkers with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with those of at-risk drinkers with depression or anxiety disorders. Methods: Adult patients who entered the psychiatric emergency service and met study criteria were surveyed. Results: A total of 148 participants had schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and 242 had depression or anxiety. Twenty-three percent of the group with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and 22 percent of the group with depression or anxiety drank more than the recommended limits. The group with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder reported experiencing significantly more consequences from drinking than the depression or anxiety group. Both groups reported significant depression in the prior few days. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the importance of assessing alcohol use and depression among all patients in psychiatric emergency services.