Indicator “Risk of harm from alcohol use” (ASSIST score ) in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders

Objective. To establish the relationship between the ASSIST score (Humeniuk R. et al. 2008) «risk of harm from alcohol use» (RHAU), impaired social functioning and manifestation of aggression in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders.

Materials and methods. From 2014 to 2020 a comparative, one-stage, observational study was conducted on the basis of the Gomel Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital with a sampling formation using directional selection method. Patients who met diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia (F20) or acute psychotic disorder (F23) according to ICD-10 were included in the study. The following assessment methods were used: 1) screening for alcohol use – ASSIST scale (Humeniuk R. et al. 2008), 2) determination of the level of aggression OASCL (Yudofsky S. C. 1986).

Results. The entire sample of 123 people examined by us was divided into 3 groups depending on the level of RHAU. The first group «ASSIST 0» (n=37) was accepted as a control group, since RHAU was equal to 0. The second group is «ASSIST up to 10» (n=42), with minimal RVUA (1-10 points on the ASSIST scale). The third group «ASSIST over 11» (n=44) combines moderate and high RHAU. The group study did not show any differences between men and women in alcohol consumption and aggression within the groups. Comparison of 3 groups, and their subsequent pairwise comparison, made it possible to establish statistically significant differences in social dysfunction groups (decrease in the working status of «ASSIST 0» – 81%, «ASSIST over 11» – 73%, «ASSIST up to 10» – 45%) and of aggression (OASCL total score H 62.4=p≤0.001: physical aggression vs. others H=45.2 p≤0.001).

Conclusion. In patients with schizophrenia and disorders close to it, the «risk of harm from alcohol use» indicator (ASSIST scale) indirectly indicates the formation of psychosocial dysfunction and indicates a differentiated effect of alcohol in the display of aggression in this group of patients.

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