Outcome of Treatment of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Patients in Military Psychiatry Set Up

Many people believe that patients suffering from Alcohol Dependence Syndrome do not respond much to treatment. Such belief may adversely affect the treatment of these patients. This may also alter the attitude of administrators on disposal of these patients. In this study, an attempt was made to observe the treatment outcome of patients suffering from Alcohol Dependence Syndrome.

Medical documents of all patients suffering from Alcohol Dependence Syndrome who reported for follow up in a general hospital psychiatric centre during the period of 1995-2000, were scrutinized. Patients were divided into three categories - those who were in relapse, those who improved partially and those who maintained abstinence.

Out of 341 cases, 146 patients were reviewed after six months, 57 after one year, 50 after one and half years and 88 were reviewed at 2 years and above. When a total was made about the number of relapses, partial improvement and abstinent cases, it was found that 33.16% had relapses, 35.49% cases showed partial improvement and 31.35% cases were abstinent.

The result was contrary to a prevailing belief that these patients do not respond much to treatment. It showed that two third of the patients improved, out of which one third were abstinent at the time of review. This study is likely to encourage the doctors, patients and administrative authorities to seek treatment of patients suffering from Alcohol Dependence Syndrome as treatment definitely helps many of them.