Assessment of disability in bipolar affective disorder and alcohol use disorder – a descriptive study

Background Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) are two common psychiatric disorders. Available evidence from international studies suggests that BPAD disorder is associated with significant disability. Disability in persons with ADS is a little researched area. The aim of the present study was to assess the disability in patients suffering from BPAD and ADS.

Method Patients attending the psychiatry clinic of Teaching Hospital of Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College, Davangere, India, who were diagnosed to be having BPAD or ADS as per DSM IV diagnostic criteria, were included in the study. A total of 63 patients was enrolled, of whom 30 were suffering from BPAD and 33 had ADS. Disability was assessed in both the groups using Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS).

Results Patients with BPAD had moderate to severe disability whereas ADS patients had mild to moderate disability. Self care, interpersonal activities, communication and understanding and work were affected in BPAD group. Among ADS patients work was more affected followed by self care and interpersonal activities.

Conclusions Both BPAD and ADS is associated with significant disability. Further research is indicated regarding effective measures to minimize this disability.

SL J Psychiatry 2015; 6(2) 25-29