Psychiatric Comorbidity in Cases Admitted for Alcohol Dependence.
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Date
2009-10
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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.
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Keywords
Alcohol, Alcohol dependence syndrome, Psychiatric co-morbidity, Inpatients
Citation
Shakya Dhana R, Shyangwa Pramod M, Sen B. Psychiatric Comorbidity in Cases Admitted for Alcohol Dependence. Delhi Psychiatry journal. 2009 Oct; 12 (2): 252-257.