The recent study showed that people of who completely abstain from alcohol have higher risk of depression as compared to people who consume it in moderate amount.

Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT study) was based on the data collected from 38,000 individuals in Norway. Research team analyzed drinking habit and mental health of the study subjects.

Data analysis revealed that study subjects who abstained from alcohol over a two-week period had higher of risk of showing symptoms of depression as compared to people who consumed it in moderate amount.

It was also found that study subjects who fell under category, classifying them as “abstainers”, were at the highest risk of depression.

The analysis of the levels of alcohol consumption 11 years prior to the main survey revealed that 14 percent of the abstainers in the study were earlier heavy drinkers.

However the research team is not able to find reason behind increased risk of depression in abstainers.