According to a survey conducted by Norwegian scientists, those who abstain from drinking alcohol are at a higher risk of suffering from depression than "moderate drinkers". Researchers used data from the Nord-Trondelag Health study which included information about the drinking habits and mental health of more than 38,000 participants.

Researchers found that those who reported no alcohol consumption during a two week period were more likely to report depression than moderate drinkers. Moderate drinkers are defined as women who drink no more than one drink per day, and no more than two for men.

The highest risk was found in the group who identified themselves as "abstainers." Considering that we most often associate depression with alcoholism, researchers were unable to explain this. They also found that 14 percent of the abstainers had previously been heavy drinkers, which makes sense. However this does not explain the other 86 percent. The only explanation the authors of the study offered is that in societies where drinking is common or even normal, abstinence may be associated with the socially marginalized, or wit particular personality traits that are associated with depression.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of Bergen, and the results were published in Addiction Journal.