Relationship between craving and impulsivity in patients with alcohol dependence with or without dual disorders in an outpatient treatment center: a descriptive study

Abstract

Objectives. To compare alcohol and other drugs abuse, state impulsivity, craving and the relationship between craving and impulsivity in alcohol-dependent patients with or without dual disorder attending to an alcohol treatment center in Cadiz town.

Method. An observational, descriptive and transversal study performed on 112 alcohol dependent patient sample who were seeking treatment in ARCA outpatient treatment center in Cadiz. The sample was divided in two groups, according to present dual diagnosis or not. The sample was assessed with an AdHoc sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and specific scales and interviews that included: 5.0 Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview results (MINI), State Impulsivity Scale (SIS), and Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale (MACS).

Results. The prevalence of dual diagnosis was 50%, being the most prevalent disorders: Current and recurrent Major Depressive Episode Mood Disorder, Current Dysthymic Mood Disorder, Panic Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. 52,7% of the total sample had a positive result on the State Impulsivity Scale. No statistically significant results were found on the Craving Scale (neither in the score or in the sub-sections). A relationship between craving and impulsivity were found for all groups and researched items.

Conclusions. As a relationship between craving and impulsivity was observed, these aspects should be considered as main factors for the treatment and evolution of alcohol-dependent patients.