Clinical manifestations of complicated alcohol withdrawal and uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal: a comparative study

Abstract

Substantial variability exists in the evolution of symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. This study is an endeavour to compare the distinction between complicated and uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) with regards to their clinical manifestations. This study was a prospective hospital-based comparative study conducted at the Central Institute of Psychiatry, India. The total sample consisted of 60 male patients of alcohol dependence syndrome who had taken their last drink within 6 h before admission. Measures such as socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Windsor Clinic Alcohol Withdrawal Assessment Scale and AWS Scale were applied on selected patients. Patients with complicated withdrawal syndrome had symptoms such as withdrawal seizures, delirium tremens along with psychological symptoms. While patients having uncomplicated withdrawal syndrome predominantly showed psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and agitation accompanied by tremor. Anxiety, tremor and agitation are the universal symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Complicated alcohol withdrawal is a severe form of withdrawal having predominance of mental symptoms from the outset, though somatic symptoms also become significant from the second day onwards. Complicated alcohol withdrawal is also marked by a longer duration compared to uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal.

Keywords:

• alcohol dependence syndrome
• uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal
• complicated alcohol withdrawal
• withdrawal seizures
• delirium tremens
• anxiety

Acknowledgements

Authors of the present study express their sincere gratitude to the administration of the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, for extending cooperation in the data-collection process.