BackgroundSecondary depression is common among primary alcoholics. However, its aetiology is poorly understood.MethodForty men with primary alcoholism, abstinent for two weeks or more, with a secondary major depressive episode were compared with forty matched never-depressed primary alcoholic controls for risk factors for depression and recent life events.ResultsIn the six months before the onset of depression depressed alcoholics had experienced significantly more life events, more life events with negative impact more dependent events caused by alcohol, and more independent events. Significantly more depressed alcoholics than controls had a family history of depression, a family history of suicidal behaviour and had themselves attempted suicide.ConclusionHaving recent life events, particularly events with negative impact, and a family history of depression are risk factors for secondary depression in alcoholics.