After alcohol withdrawal, secondary depression may persists and might be a risk factor for relapse among primary alcoholics.

The differences between male alcoholics with secondary depression (D) and without depression (wD) regarding the personality dimensions and tobacco smoking were explored.

The aim was to investigate risk factors for secondary depression.

One hundred male primary alcoholics were recruited during inpatient treatment, and 86 completed the study. The assessment of depression by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - HAMD (Hamilton, 1960), the pattern of cigarette use and personality dimensions assessment by Eysenck personality questionnaire – EPQ (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1975) were performed for all participants on admission. After four weeks according HDRS cut off score, they were divided into D group (n = 43) and wD (n = 43) group. The differences between groups were tested by Student t-test and Pearson's correlation test was applied.

The personality traits showed difference between D and wD alcoholics’ subgroups for neuroticism 15.07 ± 4.89 vs. 10.37 ± 4.40 (P < 0.01) and for extraversion 11.74 ± 5.05 vs. 14.30 ± 4.24 (P < 0.05) respectively. The positive correlation between the mean HDRS score and neuroticism (r = 0.487, P < 0.001), without significant correlation between other EPQ dimensions and depression was recorded. The D group started smoking earlier, but without differences of cigarettes daily.

The group of alcoholics with depression started smoking earlier. They were characterized by higher neuroticism and lower extraversion on admission, which could predict persistent secondary depression. Screening on personality traits among alcoholics on admission could improve prevention of secondary depression after alcohol withdrawal.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.