Post traumatic stress disorder among alcohol abuse/dependence inpatients

Background

The prevalence of comorbid PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and substance use disorders is high in the literature. The aim of this preliminary study was to ascertain the lifetime prevalence of PTSD and gender differences among alcohol abusing/dependent inpatients in Greece.

Materials and methods

The study group consisted of 26 subjects (17 males, 9 females), aged 27–71 years, suffering from alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV criteria, who were treated on an inpatient basis at the specialized Drug and Alcohol addiction service of the Athens University medical school, psychiatric department at the "Eginition" hospital. Lifetime PTSD diagnosis was assessed by administering CAPS (Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale). Dichotomus lifetime PTSD diagnosis was obtained by using the SXCAL (SCID Symptom-Calibrated scoring rule). Additionally, before a diagnosis of PTSD was to be made, the patient's symptoms must significantly disrupt daily activities and last = 1 month.

Results

The results showed that lifetime prevalence of PTSD among these patients and according to SXCAL scoring rule was 57,69 % (9 males, 6 femalesor 52% of male and 66% of female subjects). The findings indicate a significant higher rate of lifetime PTSD diagnosis among this specific population (alcohol abusing/dependent patients) and a female vulnerability.

Discussion

The high rate of lifetime PTSD diagnosis despite the relative small size of the sample has implications for the identification and treatment of PTSD among those seeking alcohol treatment. This area of comorbidity and the possible vulnerability of females warrant further investigation.