A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, USAGE OF PRESCRIPTION PATTERNS, AND COST ANALYSIS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS IN ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Authors: ANIMESH DAS, Ritwam Mukhopadhyay, Satheesh E Kumar, Padma L Gopinath, Vibha Manu M.D

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijn.12479.1759234204

Keywords: Behavioral Health, Prescribing Pattern, Alcohol Dependence Syndrome, Benzodiazepine, Antidepressant.

Abstract: Background: People with ADS find it hard to stop drinking. They often drink due to stress, which causes health, emotional, and relationship problems. Alcohol can also affect the brain and sexual health. Family history increases risk. Treatment includes learning, support, and medicines, but some drugs can cause addiction. Methods: This study was completed at a medical college in Bangalore called Sapthagiri Institute of medical sciences and research center. Researchers checked patient records like case sheets, medicines, counseling notes, and drug interactions. They studied health behavior, medicine use, and costs of antidepressants in people with alcohol problems. Data came from psychiatry and medicine departments. Patients aged 15 and above with full details were included; others were not. Result: This study included 210-patients, mostly men-98% and unmarried-84%. The largest age group was 38–47 years-47%. Common risks were tobacco use-50% and smoking-39%. Many had medical-66% and family history-66% of illnesses like diabetes-26% and high blood pressure-24%. Alcohol use was high in those who drank for 6–10 years-29%. Most patients had a Mental State Exam-76% and some had Eye-to-Eye Contact Therapy-24%. Diazepam-24% and Lorazepam-23% were common medicines at admission. Vitamins-13% and Baclofen-14% were often given during treatment. Each patient took about 9 medicines, mostly tablets and injections. Most drugs were brand-name. There were 160 moderate drug interactions. At discharge, Baclofen and Methylcobalamin were common. Treatment cost was higher for brand-name drugs. Benzodiazepines were the most used drugs. Conclusion: This study shows many ADS patients have depression. Doctors mostly use affordable antidepressants. Better mental health care is needed