NCJ Number
190849
Journal
Journal of Criminal Forensic Medicine Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 139-143
Date Published
September 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the management in police custody of individuals under the influence of alcohol with co-morbid psychiatric disorders.
Abstract
Management consists of psychological help, social support, and pharmacological treatment. Although psychological and social aspects of treatment are important, the article discusses only the pharmacological aspects. The article claims that individuals who abuse alcohol do not suffer withdrawal symptoms and hence only those with alcohol dependence require pharmacological treatment. Pharmacological treatment of alcohol withdrawal consists of sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines and chlormethiazole) and vitamins, primarily vitamin B. Pharmacological treatment during the abstinence phase involves disulfiram, serotonergic agents, acamprosate, and naltrexone. Co-morbid psychiatric disorders frequently include Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcoholic dementia. Mood and neurotic disorders include depression, mania, and anxiety. The article discusses possible treatment agents and suggests optimum timing for the treatment of those conditions. The article concludes that individuals with co-morbid excessive alcohol intake and psychiatric disorders require treatment of both disorders, which may be undertaken in custody. However, those with severe withdrawal symptoms or coexisting severe mental or physical illness may require hospital admission. Figure, tables, references