Quality of Life and Psychiatric Morbidity in Caregiver of Alcohol Dependence Patients

Abstract

Alcohol dependence affects not only patient but its deleterious effects are extended to family members. They are most vulnerable to have significant psychiatric disorders. Aims: to investigate the quality of life and the frequency and nature of psychiatric morbidity in caregiver of patients with alcohol dependence. Material and method: The study was carried out at Psychiatry OPD, P.D.U. Medical College & Hospital, Rajkot. In this cross-sectional study, 110 patients between ages 18-65, having alcohol dependence as per diagnostic criteria of DSM V was studied. One caregiver of each patient was also studied. Leeds dependence questionnaire was administered in patients. GHQ and Q-LES-Q-SF Scales were administered in caregivers. The results were tabulated and analyzed using chi (χ2) square test and Mann Whitney U test. Correlation coefficient was measured between scores of all scales using Pearson’s formula. Results: Quality of life of was found to be significantly poor among caregivers of alcohol dependent patients. Out of 110 caregivers, 40(36%) caregivers had dysthymia, 24(22%) had major depression, 9(8%) had unspecified anxiety disorder and 5(4.5%) had generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusion: The Study suggests need for sensitization of psychiatrists to evaluate and treat caregivers of alcohol dependent patients.