Psychiatric comorbidity among alcohol-dependent individuals seeking treatment at the Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit, Stikland Hospital.

BACKGROUND

International studies have found high rates of psychiatric comorbidity among patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and highlighted the clinical and prognostic implications of this finding. There is a paucity of information with regard to the extent of this problem within the South African context.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity (DSM IV-TR) in treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent South Africans.

SETTING

This study was conducted at the Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit (ARU), Stikland Hospital, Western Cape.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted over a 6-month period. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI, version 5) was used to assess psychiatric comorbidity in 101 (male, n = 65; 64.5%) alcohol-dependent patients. Interviews were conducted after the first week of admission to ward 13.

RESULTS

Most participants (n = 63, 62.4%) had a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, the most common being major depressive (n = 30, 29.7%) and anxiety disorders (n = 43, 42.6%). Of the anxiety disorders, agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder (n = 10, 9.9%) and social phobia (n = 10, 9.9%) occurred most frequently, followed by generalised anxiety disorder (n = 9, 8.9%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 9, 8.9%). Thirteen patients (13%) had a comorbid substance use disorder other than AUD.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity at this unit is high, especially among female patients. The findings emphasise a need to thoroughly assess patients and provide treatment and personnel who can manage the complex needs of a dual diagnosis patient population.