Original Research Prim Care Companion CNS Disord April 2026

Differences in the Severity of Alcohol Craving Between Euthymic Unipolar and Bipolar Patients

PCC CNS Disord 2026;28(2):10.4088/PCC.25m04123

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. PCC CNS Disord 2026;28(2):10.4088/PCC.25m04123 Clinical Summary Patients with mood disorders and alcohol use disorder often relapse even when mood symptoms are quiet, and craving is a key driver of that risk. This study asks a practical question for outpatient care: among euthymic patients with dual diagnosis, does alcohol craving differ between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, and do biologic markers track with that craving burden? FAQ Did euthymic patients with major depressive disorder have more severe alcohol craving than euthymic patients with bipolar disorder? 10 questions
Key Takeaways This study enrolled 50 euthymic patients with dual diagnosis, including 31 with major depressive disorder and 19 with bipolar disorder, so the observed diagnostic differences reflect a clinically stable outpatient population rather than an acutely symptomatic mood episode. 5 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians assess alcohol craving severity and related biologic risk in euthymic patients with alcohol use disorder and a comorbid mood disorder? 7 steps
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