Psychiatric Comorbidity in Cases Admitted for Alcohol Dependence.

ABSTRACT

Background – Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a medical disorder with some particular features resulting from a prolonged and heavy use of alcohol. When people with ADS present to a psychiatric service, they usually have developed other health problems. Objective – Since eastern Nepal has a heavy load of alcohol related problems, this hospital based descriptive study was carried out to observe psychiatric co-morbidity among inpatient-ADS cases. Method – In this cross sectional study of 60 consecutive inpatients, psychiatric co-morbidities were diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria of ICD-10. Results – Mean age of the cases was 39.19 years, 75% were male and 90% were married. Three fourths used other substances besides alcohol; main being nicotine, opioid and cannabis. Eighty percent cases had one or other or more than one diagnosable psychiatric illness, including ICD-10 mental and behavioral disorders in 63% and personality problems severe enough to affect the course of substance use disorder in 48% of the total cases. The most common psychiatric disorder in ADS cases was anxiety disorders, followed by mood affective disorders, and psychotic illness. Among the personality problems, dissocial plus narcissistic, and anxious group were common. Conclusion – Psychiatric co-morbidity is common in people with alcohol dependence.