Application of a quality of life measure, the life situation survey (LSS),to alcohol-dependent subjects in relapse and remission

Background: Recent studies have shown that quality of life (QOL) is improve d significantly when subjects do not relapse to heavy drinking, and QOL det eriorates significantly on prolonged relapse. This article further investig ates these relationships using a QOL index, the Life Situation Survey (LSS) . Methods: Eighty-two DSM-IV alcohol-dependent subjects admitted for alcohol detoxification were studied at baseline and 12 week follow-up. Sociodemogra phic data were collected, and severity of alcohol dependence (SADQ) and Gen eral Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were baseline indices only. The main out come measure, the LSS, was administered at both time points. Results: Two subjects were lost to follow-up and one died during the study period. Thus, the relapse/nonrelapse analysis related to 79 subjects. Fifty subjects (63%) had relapsed to heavy drinking at 3 months follow-up. There was a significant correlation between LSS and GHQ-12 scores. Significant c hanges occurred in total LSS scores as a result of relapse and nonrelapse. The improvement in LSS scores associated with nonrelapse was larger than th e deterioration that accompanied relapse. In those subjects who did not rel apse to heavy drinking the mean follow-up score remained in the poor/border line LSS range. Remission from heavy drinking was accompanied by significan t improvements in appetite, sleep, and self-esteem Relapse to heavy drinkin g coincided with a significant deterioration in mood/affect, public support , and work/life role scores. Conclusion: QOL as assessed by the LSS in recently detoxified alcoholics is impaired significantly. In the nonrelapse group, there was a significant i mprovement in LSS scores after 3 months. Relapse was accompanied by a small er deterioration in LSS scores. The LSS can play an important role in monit oring the clinical care and progress of alcohol-dependent subjects.