Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Open Access

Abstract

Prevalence of Thyroid Function Abnormality in Admitted Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

Dilshana Nafisa, Denzil Pinto, Pavithra P Rao and Anil Kakunje

Objective: Alcohol is one of the commonest psychoactive substances consumed globally. There are evidences suggesting its role in causing thyroid abnormality. It has been reported to have multiple effects on the hypothalamopituitary- thyroid axis. This study aimed to look at the thyroid function abnormalities in admitted male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome.
Methods: Thyroid function parameters were compared among 30 male in-patients with Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) and 30 male in-patients with psychotic disorders as controls.
Results: 23.3% of patients in the alcohol dependence group had thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) abnormality compared to 3.3% among control (psychotic disorders) group. 23.3% in the ADS group and 10% of the control group had free T4 (FT4) abnormality. TSH abnormality was seen more in individuals whose age of onset of alcohol use was 20-30 years which was statically significant (p=0.01). TSH abnormality was noted more in patients who consumed alcohol for more than 15 years and with quantity exceeding>720 ml.