Psychiatric co-morbidity among alcohol dependants

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are common in alcoholics and such patients have a poorer prognosis. AIM: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity among alcohol-dependent subjects and to compare the prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders between them and a control group. METHODS: The study assessed the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity in 100 alcohol-dependent subjects and 100 controls. A semi-structured proforma was used to record the sociodemographic variables and the history of alcohol abuse. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of psychiatric co-morbidity in alcohol-dependent subjects and controls was found to be 92% and 12%, respectively. The most common disorders were depression, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and phobia. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity between alcohol-dependent subjects and controls. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the need for an active consultation service for better insight into the prevention, treatment and outcome of alcohol dependence.