Psychiatric Comorbidity and Physical Correlates in Alcohol-dependent Patients.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence and pattern of comorbidity in alcohol dependence and its relationship with physical and laboratory findings.


METHODS
Eighty males with alcohol dependence were examined using the Hindi version of Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies, the International Classification of Disease-10thEdition Personality Disorder Examination, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test for alcohol use, global assessment of functioning, blood sampling electrocardiogram, and ultrasonogram.


RESULTS
Eighty-seven percent had a comorbid Axis I or an Axis II psychiatric disorder, over 78% had nicotine dependence, and 56% had comorbid Axis II disorder, antisocial personality being the most common. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly associated with comorbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
High comorbidity of Axis I psychiatric disorders was found among persons with alcohol dependence. Axis II disorders were also present.
Medical Officer In Charge, Yamuna Vihar, BSES Yamuna Power Ltd., All Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Deepak
D
Gauba
Department of Biostatistics, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Karakonam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Pramod
P
Thomas
Department of Psychiatry and NDDTC, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Yatan P S
YP
Balhara
Department of Psychiatry and De-addiction Services, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Smita N
SN
Deshpande
Alcohol dependence; physical correlates; psychiatric comorbidity