Collaborative investigation of adult children of alcoholics with anxiety.
The literature reports an increased incidence of anxiety disorders in alcoholic families. Whether anxiety is a complication of alcoholism or a precursor to alcohol abuse is not understood. Studies suggest that there are psychological as well as genetic components in substance abuse and anxiety disorders. The purpose of this paper is to describe a collaborative effort designed to explore the complex interaction between the etiologic factors that lead to anxiety and substance abuse. This collaboration brings together the unique perspectives of both psychiatric medicine and psychiatric nursing.