Depression in Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol dependence syndrome is an important and major public health issue seen in our community and health center. It is mostly associated with different mental health problems and psychiatric co-morbidities. This study aims to find out the prevalence of depression among alcohol dependence syndrome in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over one year from April 15, 2020, to February 15, 2021 at a tertiary care hospital. The ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of Nobel Medical College (reference number: 409/2020). Convenience sampling method was used. The patients admitted for alcohol use and related problems in the Psychiatry Department, Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar were included. Data entry was done using Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis was done by using Statistical Packages of Social Sciences Version 16.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage. Results: The prevalence of depression in patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome was 17 (16.3%) (95% Confidence Interval= 9.20-23.39) . The patients suffering from depressive disorder male and female were 16 (94.1%) and 1 (5.8%) respectively. The participants with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome with no other comorbid psychiatric disorders were found to be 60 (57.7%). Conclusions: Psychiatric comorbidity was found to be common in alcohol dependent people among which depression was found to be most common.