Alcohol self-medication was assessed by asking if participants had drunk alcohol in the past year to improve their mood (asked of participants reporting depression and dysthymia symptoms), or to calm down (asked of participants reporting manic or hypomanic symptoms). Treatment history for mood symptoms was assessed by asking whether participants had ever sought treatment for depressive or manic symptoms from a counselor, therapist, doctor or other professional; if they were hospitalized overnight or went to an emergency room because of mood symptoms; and if a doctor had ever prescribed medication for mood symptoms.
