To Study the Severity of Psychiatric Co-morbidity in Alcohol, Nicotine and Alcohol-Nicotine Dependent Patients

Nikhil S Gupta; Chander Mohan; Manmeet Singh

Volume : VIII, Issue : IX, September - 2019

To Study the Severity of Psychiatric Co-morbidity in Alcohol, Nicotine and Alcohol-Nicotine Dependent Patients

Nikhil S Gupta, Chander Mohan, Manmeet Singh

Abstract :

Introduction: The presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients of alcohol & Nicotine dependence has clinical and prognostic implications. The present study aimed to find the pattern and severity of psychiatric co–morbidities in alcohol, nicotine and alcohol–nicotine dependent patients. Materials & Methods: A total of 120 consecutive patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken in the study after informed consent. The study subjects included diagnosed cases of alcohol (n–40), nicotine (n–40) and alcohol–nicotine dependence (n–40) attending outpatient/ de–addiction clinic in this hospital. ICD–10 Criteria for diagnosing psychiatric disorders while ASEX scale was used for identifying sexual disorders. Hamilton depression and anxiety scales and ief psychiatric rating scale were other scales used for identifying depression, anxiety and psychosis. Results: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders (ICD–10) was 70% and 27.5% in alcohol and nicotine groups while prevalence was 72.5% in alcohol + nicotine group. The prevalence of sexual disorders was 45% and 20% in alcohol and nicotine groups while prevalence was 50% in alcohol + nicotine group. Mild to moderate depression in alcohol, nicotine and alcohol + nicotine group was observed in 42.5%, 15% and 42.5% respectively. Mild to moderate anxiety in alcohol, nicotine and alcohol + nicotine group was observed in 15%, 12.5% and 17.5% respectively. Conclusion: The commonly associated diagnosis included almost all the disorders including mood disorders, psychotic spectrum disorders, anxiety spectrum disorders as well as sexual dysfunction. The high burden of dual diagnosis implies that patients presenting with substance use disorders should be screened for psychiatric comorbidity and vice–versa.