Psychiatric Comorbidity and Physical Correlates in Alcohol-dependent Patients

AIM To examine the prevalence and pattern of comorbidity in alcohol dependence and its relationship with physical and laboratory findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty males with alcohol dependence were examined using the Hindi version of Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies, the International Classification of Disease-10th Edition 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.