Researchers at the Pittsburgh Adolescent Alcohol Research Center (PAARC) are studying the effectiveness of a common antidepressant in relieving symptoms in adolescents and young adults with combined depression and alcohol abuse.

"It is known that depression and alcohol use often go hand in hand," said Jack Cornelius, M.D., M.P.H., professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the study's principal investigator. "It has been a challenge to treat individuals who are depressed and abusing alcohol because they have a difficult time maintaining their treatment regimen and often relapse. A medication that effectively treats both syndromes could dramatically improve an individual's chances of getting better."

According to Dr. Cornelius, there are several signs that an individual may have a combination of depression and alcohol abuse. Those who answer "yes" to several of these questions may qualify for the study:

* Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking?

* Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

* Have you felt guilty or bad about things you have done while drinking?

* Have you been sad, irritable or down in the dumps?

* Is your appetite up or down?

* Are you having trouble sleeping - can not sleep or sleep too much?

* Do you find that you don't enjoy everyday life?

* Do you have thoughts of suicide?

The study, funded by the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), will involve a psychiatric and physical examination, regular sessions involving medication and talk therapy over 12 weeks, and the use of either the antidepressant fluoxetine or a placebo.

To qualify, individuals must be between the ages of 15 and 19, with a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse or dependence and be willing to participate in a research study that uses medication. Individuals who are dependent on other drugs (with the exception of cannabis) or have a history of intravenous drug use are not eligible for the study. '