Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE IN ALCOHOLIC PATIENTS.

Dr. Deepthi Reddy*

ABSTRACT

Alcohol abuse means drinking more alcohol than is socially, psychologically or physically acceptable. Alcoholism is a more serious condition characterised by both physical and psychological dependence. A withdrawal state is a group of symptoms of variable clustering and severity occurring on absolute or relative withdrawal of a psychoactive substance after persistent use of that substance. Dependence syndrome is a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of seven criteria, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period. Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol commonly abbreviated as CIWA is a ten item scale used in the assessment and management of alcohol withdrawal and Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) emphasizes physical dependence. CIWA – Ar Minimum score 0 and Maximum score 67. SADQ minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 60. From our study we can conclude that most common withdrawal symptoms experienced by the patients were nausea/vomiting, tremors, anxiety, agitation, paroxysmal sweating, auditory disturbances and headache. Less common symptoms were tactile disturbances, visual disturbances and orientation and clouding of sensorium. The Severity of Alcohol Dependence frequency was mild severity of alcohol dependence found in 6 patients, moderate severity of alcohol withdrawal found in 27 patients and severe severity of alcohol withdrawal was found in 27 patients. By using these 2 scales we can assess the withdrawal symptoms and alcohol dependence in alcoholic patients.

Keywords: CIWA-Ar, SADQ, Withdrawal state and Alcohol Dependence.