The MEADOW PROJECT (Mending the Effects of Alcohol and Depression on Women) and The Bridge Program (Connecting Recovery Treatment and Behavioral Health)

Co-occurring alcohol dependence and major depression (AD-MD) is a serious and common public
health problem, yet one that is largely unaddressed by conventional chemical dependency
treatment. Among alcohol dependent patients, co-occurring depression is associated with
poorer treatment outcomes, increased risk for relapse, worse long-term social and functional
adjustment, and higher probability of dire outcomes such as suicide. Treatment research on
AD-MD patients is needed to inform effective practice. This study provides an initial test
of the applicability of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for alcohol dependent women with major
depression (IPT-ADMD). The goal of the proposed research project is to refine and test a
behavioral intervention that addresses women's co-occurring alcohol dependence and
depression within a cohesive interpersonal frame. In Phase 1 of the project, IPT-ADMD will
be piloted with 15 AD-MD women enrolled in a MICA (mentally-ill chemical abusers) group
treatment program. Findings from Phase 1 will be used to refine the treatment, assessment,
and therapist training procedures. In Phase 2, a randomized controlled trial with 60 AD-MD
women will be conducted 1) to determine IPT-ADMD's feasibility and acceptability as an
adjunct to standard MICA group treatment, and 2) to assess the comparative effects of
IPT-ADMD to treatment-as-usual individual therapy (TAU-IT). Compared to TAU-IT, IPT-ADMD is
hypothesized to lead to greater reductions in women's drinking frequency, drinking
intensity, and depressive symptoms, and to improved interpersonal functioning.

In addition to the current intervention study comparing IPT-ADMD with TAU-IT, we are
piloting IPT-ADMD with men in a sub-protocol of the main study. The target population of the
Bridge Program will be men with alcohol dependence and co-occurring major depression. We
hypothesize that IPT will be feasible and acceptable and will improve drinking frequency and
intensity; depressive symptoms; and interpersonal functioning. The proposed sub-protocol
will allow us to determine if future clinical trials of IPT should include both male and
female patients with co-occurring alcohol dependence and depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Current Alcohol Dependence and Major Depression

Exclusion Criteria:

- Bipolar Disorder

- Psychosis or schizophrenia