Quality of life measures and outcome in alcohol-dependent men and women

A sample of 82 (41 men 41 women) DSM IV alcohol-dependent inpatients admitt ed for detoxification was studied at baseline and followed-up 12 weeks ther eafter. The following questionnaires were administered 4-5 days after admis sion for detoxification: Sociodemographic information, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), Alcohol Problems Questionnaire (APQ), Rott erdam Symptoms Checklist (RSCL), Life Situation Survey (LSS), Beck Depressi on Inventory (BDI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12), and Nottingham H ealth Profile (NHP). All indices other than socio-demographic data, the SAD Q, and APQ were administered at 12-week follow-up. After controlling for co nfounding factors at baseline, women were more likely to be in a higher soc ial class, prescribed antidepressants during the previous 12 months, drink fewer units of alcohol in a typical week, and have a higher level of psychi atric caseness scores (GHQ-12). A total of 80 subjects (97%) were successfu lly followed-up. Difference between gender did not significantly impact upo n any of the 12-week outcome measures. There was no significant difference in the study relapse rates or time taken to relapse between men and women. The only significant total sample change was a reduction in the amount of a lcohol consumed in a typical week. This was significantly related to change s in the following Quality of Life (QoL) measures,NHP emotional reaction su b-scores, LSS, and BDI scores. 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserv ed.