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Dissociative disorders among alcohol-dependent inpatients
Cuneyt Evren1, Vedat Sar, Figen Karadag
1Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy State Hospital for Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases, Istanbul, Turkey. cuneytevren@hotmail.com
Psychiatry Research
|April 28, 2007
Summary
This study found that 9% of alcohol-dependent inpatients have dissociative disorders, often linked to childhood trauma. These patients exhibit distinct features, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches for alcohol and dissociative conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Alcohol dependency frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions.
- Dissociative disorders are often underdiagnosed in substance use populations.
- Understanding comorbidities is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of dissociative disorders in inpatients with alcohol dependency.
- To identify characteristics associated with dissociative disorders in this population.
- To explore the relationship between dissociative experiences and alcohol use disorders.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 111 alcohol-dependent inpatients using the Dissociative Experiences Scale.
- Diagnostic interviews (Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, Structured Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders) conducted on subgroups.
- Interviewer blinding to screening scores to ensure objectivity.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 9.0% for diagnosed dissociative disorders among alcohol-dependent inpatients.
- Dissociative disorder group showed higher rates of childhood abuse, neglect, somatization disorder, borderline personality disorder, and major depression.
- Dissociative symptoms often preceded alcohol use.
- Subtle dissociative psychopathology was noted in patients without formal diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Dissociative disorders are a significant comorbidity in alcohol-dependent inpatients, associated with specific demographic and clinical features.
- Early onset of dissociative symptoms before alcohol use suggests a potential vulnerability.
- The distinct features of this subgroup warrant tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed on gender-specific aspects and the impact of subtle dissociative experiences.
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