European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the extent of disability in patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome who presented for inpatient de-addiction programme.
Methods: 100 consecutive consenting patients within the age of 18-65 years, admitted under inpatient de-addiction unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital are included after excluding axis-1 psychiatric disorders, major medical illness and other disabilities. AUDIT, 36 item interview version of WHODAS 2.0 are administered and statistical analysis done.
Results: The mean summary score of WHODAS obtained in the study group is 53.7 and lies around the 95th percentile. Highest disability was found in Life activities (Work activities-84.3±17.38; household activities-75.8±22.26). Disability scores were found to be higher in complicated withdrawal group in statistically significant levels. Alcoholic Liver Disease was found to have statistically significant higher disability scores in work activities domain.
Conclusion: Alcohol Dependence Syndrome has high disability comparable to other mental illnesses. Early onset dependence group, complicated withdrawal group and those with complications resulting due to alcohol use have higher disability. These findings may help in devising better treatment approaches, planning and individualizing rehabilitation and improving productivity and functioning of patients and thus ultimately reducing burden on society.