[Comorbidity: alcohol use and other psychiatric disorders]

Braz J Psychiatry. 2004 May:26 Suppl 1:S51-3. doi: 10.1590/s1516-44462004000500013. Epub 2005 Jan 4.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Alcohol related disorders often coexist with other psychiatric disorders and its incidence is increasing in last decades. Studies show that patients with comorbidity, specially those with severe psychiatric disorders, have higher rates of suicide, relapse, money spent in treatment, homeless and they use more medical service. Their evaluation must be meticulous because the differential diagnosis become complicated without a long period of alcohol withdrawal. These patients have a worse prognostic and their treatment is more difficult. Most of studies in this area have indicated that the integration of psychosocial and pharmacological techniques is more effective. The long term treatment must focus in the reduction of symptoms, improvement of social and familiar functioning, coping skills and relapse prevention.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Alcohol Drinking / therapy
  • Alcoholism / epidemiology*
  • Alcoholism / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Recurrence