Sher L, Oquendo MA, Conason AH, Brent DA, Grunebaum MF, Zalsman G, Burke AK, Mann JJ. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2005 Oct;112(4):266-71.

Objective: To compare clinical features of depressed subjects without alcoholism but with a family history of alcoholism to a depressed group without alcoholism and without a family history of alcoholism.

Method: Clinical and demographic data of 209 depressed subjects without a history of alcoholism in first-degree relatives and 73 depressed individuals with a history of alcoholism in first-degree relatives were compared. Subjects with a personal history of alcoholism were excluded.

Results: Depressed subjects with a family history of alcoholism have a significantly higher prevalence of reported childhood physical and sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), make more suicide attempts, and have greater intent to die at the time of their most lethal suicide attempt, compared to depressed subjects without a family history of alcoholism.

Conclusion: Depressed patients with a family history of alcoholism are at greater risk for suicidal behavior and PTSD and may require more careful management.