Intimate Partner Violence and Psychiatric Co-Morbidies in Spouse of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

Introduction: Family members especially their spouses suffer intense psychological,
physical and social trauma due to core drinking problem. Intimate partner violence
(IPV) is a globally acknowledged public health problem. In this background the study
was carried out to assess IPV and depression in spouses of Alcohol Dependence
Syndrome (ADS). Methodology: A hospital-based study of 100 participants with
alcohol dependence syndrome and their spouses were interviewed. Patient with other
psychiatric illnesses and substance dependence except nicotine were excluded. Spouses
diagnosed with any psychiatric illness were excluded. Severity of alcohol dependence
questionnaire (SADQ) Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) and Hamilton
anxiety rating scale (HAM-A) were used for the participants and WHO-IPV scale was
used for their spouses. Results: A positive association of the severity of alcohol
consumption with IPV. We also found a significant association with HAM-A and
HAM-D to spouse who were exposed to IPV. Conclusion: This study highlights that
depression and anxiety disorders co-morbid in patients with ADS and IPV is higher
spouses of patients with ADS.