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Major alcohol and depression study nearing completionTuesday 9 February 2010 The National Addiction Centre at the University of Otago, Christchurch is conducting a unique international study to try to improve treatment for people with both alcohol-related problems and depression, at the same time as the Law Commission is preparing recommendations on reducing alcohol harm. With over 100 patients recruited so far to the 24 week outpatient treatment programme, investigator Dr Simon Adamson says that the TEAM study (Treatment Evaluation for Alcohol and Mood) is now the largest of its kind in the world and nearing successful completion. But the project is still looking for more participants from The Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch and Dunedin. “This is a very important area to study because depression and alcohol problems do commonly occur together, but there isn’t a consensus as to what the best treatment approach is,” says Dr Adamson. “This study will help to clarify what is the best treatment for these disorders so we’re keen to hear from more people who’re interested in taking part from these areas.” Dr Adamson says it is often not understood that alcohol is a depressant drug and the more people drink the more likely they are to experience low mood, poor sleep and lethargy, which can lead to depression. In New Zealand people with an alcohol use disorder are four times more likely to be depressed than people without this disorder. The TEAM study is free and provides participants with the anti-craving drug Naltrexone for three months. Half the participants will also be given an anti-depressant Citalopram, and half a placebo. Participants will also receive ‘best-practice’ clinical management to assist them to make behaviour and life style changes. “The key question we’re investigating is: does the use of an antidepressant at the same time as an anti-craving drug improve the outcome for both depression and drinking?” says Dr Adamson. “I must emphasise this is not a trial of new drugs. The two medications we’re using have been approved by the government agency Pharmac, and are widely used to treat alcohol dependence and depression. ” Having a larger number of people taking part than in previous studies will mean findings are more reliable and will enable researchers to look at other issues, such as gender effects and different types of depression. The TEAM study is funded by the Health Research Council and provides free treatment for people from the above areas. Although results won’t be available until the study is completed Dr Adamson says so far they have received very positive feedback. “What people seem to appreciate most is the opportunity to understand how these two problem areas in their lives relate to one another. This insight, along with the medication effects and supportive counselling, has led to major improvements in the lives of participants and their families.” People taking part can be referred by their doctor or make direct contact via an 0800 number. One of the key requirements of the study is that they must not be taking antidepressants or anti-drinking medication for four weeks beforehand. The TEAM study will be recruiting participants for a further six months. If the public would like to know more phone 0800 TEAM RESEARCH (0800 832673) For more information contact: Whangarei/Bay of Islands – Dr Alistair Dunn, 021-434812 Dr Simon Adamson For an interview with a participant in the TEAM study contact: For a list of Otago experts available for media comment, please go to:
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