Alcohol Problems and Depression: A 15-year Longitudinal, Nationwide Study of Mental Health among Norwegian Doctors, 2014

«Alcohol Problems and Depression: A 15-year Longitudinal, Nationwide Study of Mental Health among Norwegian Doctors, 2014” is a sub study of a longitudinal research project that follows physicians and medical students living conditions over time; NORDOC (The Longitudinal Study of Norwegian Medical Students and Doctors). This project includes NORDOC 6 (2014), and the data set NORDOC 1-6 connected two cohorts (the student cohort and the young physician cohort) that altogether encompass about 1000 doctors.

Alcohol problems and depressions are common illnesses in the general population, but there are lacking longitudinal studies that can identify risk factors. The interplay between genes and social environmental factors like stress is somewhat studied, but far from clarified mapped out. Doctors have a relatively high incidence of depressive symptoms and is a relatively homogenous group when it comes to work related stress, which makes them suitable for these kinds of studies.

NORDOC is a unique sample of Norwegian doctors (N=1052) that have been followed up 5 times since 1993/1994. The 20-year follow up survey was in 2013/14. Self-reported alcohol problems and depression in addition to work-related stress and stress related to living conditions were measured by a questionnaire. A gene sample (saliva) was collected among those who allowed it. Advanced statistics were employed in order to study the psychosocial risk factors over time and their interplay with genetics. In addition to produce new knowledge concerning genetics-social environment interactions, the study aimed to identify psychosocial risk factors, and to lead to better prevention and treatment. New data will be collected in 2019 in a 7th and last wave.

For further information about "Alcohol Problems and Depression: A 15-year Longitudinal, Nationwide Study of Mental Health among Norwegian Doctors, 2014", please contact the principal investigator.