Psychiatric Comorbidity, Severity of Dependence and Liver Enzymes Dysfunction among Alcohol Dependent Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study from Central Rural India

Introduction: Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) is a serious health issue all over the world and prominently associated with alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol dependent individuals have high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and liver damage among them may further influence associated diagnoses. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among alcohol dependent individuals; to determine association of liver enzymes with psychiatric comorbidities and severity of ADS. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients of ADS from Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha, Maharashtra. They were assessed through semi-structured sociodemographic proforma, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), laboratory investigations for hepatic enzymes and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI PLUS). Data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 and considering p-value significant at < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among ADS was found to be 49% with Mood disorders (21%) being the most common diagnosis. Prevalence of ADS severity was found to be 10% (mild), 38% (moderate) and 52% (severe) respectively. GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) was significantly associated with psychiatric comorbidities (0.025) while, ALT (0.02), AST (0.023) and GGTP (0.0001) were significantly associated with dependence severity, considering p-value significant at < 0.05. Conclusion: This study suggests that liver enzyme dysfunctions correlated with psychiatric comorbidities and severity of dependence. The liver function profile may alter the mood status of individuals and hence these factors need to be addressed during the management.