Background: Alcohol dependence has adverse social and health impacts. Alcohol related  issues mostly affect families, with spouses feeling the maximum effects mostly because of the  closeness of their bond. In alcohol treatment programs, spouses are key participants. Therefore,  in order to comprehend and manage such concerns, it is necessary to examine psychiatric  morbidity and coping mechanisms in partners of alcohol dependent individuals.

Aim: To compare the pattern of coping strategies and psychiatric morbidity in spouses of  men with alcohol dependence syndrome and controls.

Materials and Methods:Using the MINI Questionnaire, 60 controls and 30 spouses of men  with alcohol dependence syndrome were compared for psychiatric morbidity. Using the  General Health Questionnaire, psychological distress was evaluated. The Coping Strategies  Inventory was used to evaluate coping mechanisms. Severity of alcohol dependence was  assessed using Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire and consequences of drinking  was assessed by Drinkers Inventory of Consequences.

Results: 33.3% of spouses suffered from a mental illness. Mood and anxiety disorders  predominated. Major depressive disorder was present in 13.3% of cases, as were dysthymia  in 10%, generalised anxiety disorder in 6.7%, and suicidality in 6.7%. The two main coping  techniques used were problem focused engagement and emotion focused engagement. The  degree of alcohol dependence severity or its effects in any particular area were not substantially  correlated with any psychiatric disease and did not affect the coping strategy used.

Discussion: In wives of alcohol dependent men, psychological distress and psychiatric  morbidity are common. As spouses are known to play a significant role in the treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome, addressing these issues will be beneficial.