Measurement of quality of life in alcohol-dependent subjects by a cancer symptoms checklist

There are few studies of Quality of Life measures (QoL) in alcohol-misusing patients. The present study addresses this deficiency. The sample consiste d of 60 (39 men, 21 women) alcohol dependent subjects defined by DSM-IV cri teria (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), At baseline (4-5 days after admission and detoxification) sociodemographic data were collected, and th ree questionnaires were administered: the Rotterdam Symptoms Checklist (RSC L), the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), and Alcohol Pr oblems Questionnaire (APQ). QoL scores for dependent alcoholics both for ph ysical and psychological measures were significantly worse (higher) than th ose reported for a variety of cancer patients. Psychological symptom scores were higher than physical symptoms at baseline. Correlations of RSCL score s to both SADQ and APQ were greater for RSCL physical compared to psycholog ical symptom scores. The subjects were followed up at 12 weeks when the RSC L was re-administered and relapse status ascertained. Fifty-eight (97%) sub jects were successfully contacted at 12 weeks of whom 36 (62%) had relapsed . After a repeated measures ANOVA psychological and physical symptom subsco res were statistically significantly improved as a result of not relapsing to heavy drinking. There was no significant change in scores in the relapse group when baseline and week 12 scores were compared. The RSCL measure is a useful QoL assessment tool in alcohol-dependent subjects. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science Inc. All rights reserved.