Comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence in displaced persons

To investigate in displaced persons a) the prevalence rate of current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence; b) the relationship of alcohol dependence and current PTSD; and c) trauma exposure in relation to alcohol dependence comorbid to PTSD.

A group of displaced persons (157 men and 211 women) was interviewed using structured clinical interview based on DSM-III-R criteria for diagnosing PTSD and alcohol dependence, Watson's PTSD Questionnaire, and CAGE Questionnaire.

Men showed higher prevalence rate of a current PTSD (50.3% of men vs. 36.5% of women, p=0.011), alcohol dependence (60.5% of men vs. 8.1% of women, p<0. 001), and alcohol dependence comorbid with PTSD (69.6% of men vs. 11. 7% of women, p<0.001). The rate of alcohol dependence increased in relation to current PTSD in men but not in women. Comorbidity of alcohol dependence and PTSD in women was influenced by alcohol-related problems before the war, whereas in men it was not influenced by any of the pre-war variables. The highest number of traumas was experienced by the displaced persons with a current PTSD only, followed by those with PTSD and alcohol dependence. The lowest number of war traumas was experienced by displaced persons with alcohol dependence, but without current PTSD.

War traumas may have a role in the development of alcohol dependence in displaced men with current PTSD. The number of war traumas had a strong effect on the development of PTSD. Sex is a relevant factor in studying comorbidity of current PTSD and alcohol dependence.