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Background: Rehabilitation treatment noncompletion is considered a risk factor for long term relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals. The aim of this analysis of in- and outpatients in alcohol dependence rehabilitation in Germany is to identify social, mental, and somatic risk profiles for treatment noncompletion. Methods: A total of 92 individuals from an outpatient program and 303 individuals from two inpatient rehabilitation treatment units in three different locations in Germany were recruited and assessed with a structured interview and several measures of psychopathology (personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity) at treatment admission, with termination at 12 months follow-up. Participants were subdivided into treatment completers and noncompleters for any reason. Results: A total of 10.2% of inpatients and 16.1% of outpatients did not complete treatment. Compared with treatment completers, noncompleters had a significantly lower rate of continuous abstinence at 1-year follow-up, more recent alcohol consumption before admission, and a higher rate of borderline personality disorders. Among inpatients, an elevated rate of lifetime mental disorders, depression, and suicide attempts was found among treatment noncompleters; among outpatients, treatment noncompleters were more often than completers to be married but live separated. Conclusion: Rates of treatment noncompletion in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs correspond to results from previous research. Noncompletion is a significant correlate of relapse 1 year after treatment, and noncompleters show an elevated level of psychopathology. These findings may help rehabilitation treatment facilities to tailor specific therapies for these individuals to reduce risk for treatment noncompletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to replicate previous findings on the predictive value of a German version of the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) by investigating 24-month treatment outcome in an outpatient setting. This was a prospective, observational study with 92 alcohol-dependent patients. The OCDS was used to assess craving at the end of treatment, and at the 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the 67 patients interviewed at the 24-month follow-up, 58% were abstinent and 79% improved. OCDS scores were higher in patients with a less favorable outcome. In line with previous findings, our results showed that the intensity of craving as measured by the OCDS may predict outcome in outpatient alcoholics. (Am J Addict 2010;19:264-269) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the prevalence and in particular the outcome of alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD). Data from hospital statistics of the BARMER GEK, one of the major health insurance companies in Germany, show a low overall prevalence of AIPD. An analysis of readmission rates for patients hospitalized for AIPD in 2005 (N = 462) and 2006 (N = 404) for the period up to 2010 revealed very high readmission rates. Only a minority of patients were without relapse [144 (31.2%) of the 2005 sample; 152 (37.6%) of the 2006 sample]. Thus, AIPD appears to be a rare complication of the alcohol use disorder but to have an extremely high rehospitalization rate, probably indicating a more chronic course and worse prognosis than previously thought. More follow-up studies are needed to elucidate this syndrome.

Objectives: To study the value of demographic and alcohol-related variables for predicting 24-month treatment outcome in an outpatient setting., Methods: Prospective observational study with 92 alcohol-dependent patients. Assessments were made by personal interviews at the beginning and end of therapy, and at the 24-month follow-up. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: The mean age was 46.0 (SD = 9.9) years. There were 58 males (65.2%) and 31 females (34.8%). Of the 67 patients interviewed at 2-year follow-up, 58% were abstinent and 79% improved. Differences between abstainers and non-abstainers were found for number of previous detoxifications, and number of patients attempted suicides. In addition, female gender and a higher number of prior treatments predicted negative treatment outcome., Conclusion: Matching patients to different types of treatment by means of empirically based characteristics may help to improve outcome but research has failed to establish reliable predictors in that area. Data from this follow-up study confirm the role of certain clinical outcome predictors. Additionally, results give further evidence for outpatient treatment as an effective setting for alcohol-dependent patients as indicated by a favourable retention rate (84%) and outcome (minimum abstinence rate 44%).