Study of Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients Diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome in Kathmandu Medical College

Background: There has been a considerable increase in number of people who are diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS). Psychiatric comorbidities are found in high proportion in association with ADS. Depressive disorders, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders are diagnosed in patients with ADS with bidirectional relationship and a high proportion of relapses are attributable to these comorbidities. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over one year in the psychiatric inpatient department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. Sixty-one patients diagnosed with ADS based on ICD-10 DCR criteria were enrolled. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed using the ICD -10 guidelines. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores were used to assess depressive and anxiety disorders with their severity. Results: Out of 61 patients with ADS, 78.7% had psychiatric comorbidities. Depressive disorders in (35.4%), anxiety disorders in (27.1%), psychotic disorders in (18.8%), bipolar affective disorder (10.4%), and personality disorder (8.3%) were common diagnoses made. Moderate to severe depression and anxiety were most common psychiatric comorbidities. Conclusion: Psychiatric comorbidities are highly prevalent among ADS patients. Integrated management approaches addressing both mental and physical health, along with caregiver support, are essential to improve health outcomes and reduce relapse in ADS.