Group therapy for ADS in general hospital psychiatry unit

Background About 4% Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) suffer complicated withdrawal. Nearly all evidence based treatment for ADS originated as individual interventions, and most major treatment research studies have been limited to individual-based treatments e.g., COMBINE and Project MATCH studies. However this is a challenge to implement Individual therapy in our country where treatment gap is 70-90%. It has been found that group-based interventions have strong experimental support. Department of psychiatry KIMS hubli explored the utility of group therapy in general hospital psychiatry unit (GHPU) setting for patients with ADS. Aims 1. Need of resource efficient psychosocial intervention in ADS in relapse prevention. 2. Utility of group therapy in ADS Methods 92 consenting individuals along with their primary care giver were enrolled in group therapy. A total of 6 sessions of structured group therapy, one session monthly for 6 months. There were 9 closed groups and each group consisted of less than males. Individuals were assessed for relapse and care givers knowledge attitude and practices (KAP) towards ADS were assessed at baseline, end of 6 sessions and after 6 months of follow-up. Under supervision of senior psychiatrist post graduates students in MD Psychiatry conducted the Group therapy sessions. Results and Conclusion 18 individuals dropped out. Attrition rate of 19.5%. Relapse rate was 40%. Early identification and intervention of relapses. Most patients and their care givers were retained in the treatment loop. KAP were favourable in the caregivers. It is a challenge to provide Individual psychotherapy for ADS where mental health care services are scare. However group interventions are promising as they are effective and economical relapse prevention strategy. It is acceptable by the caregivers and feasible in GHPU. Prospective research and controlled trials to be considered in the future.