Clinical manifestations of complicated alcohol withdrawal and uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal: a comparative study

Abstract

Substantial variability exists in the evolution of symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. This study is an endeavour to compare the distinction between complicated and uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) with regards to their clinical manifestations. This study was a prospective hospital-based comparative study conducted at the Central Institute of Psychiatry, India. The total sample consisted of 60 male patients of alcohol dependence syndrome who had taken their last drink within 6 h before admission. Measures such as socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Windsor Clinic Alcohol Withdrawal Assessment Scale and AWS Scale were applied on selected patients. Patients with complicated withdrawal syndrome had symptoms such as withdrawal seizures, delirium tremens along with psychological symptoms. While patients having uncomplicated withdrawal syndrome predominantly showed psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and agitation accompanied by tremor. Anxiety, tremor and agitation are th...