Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Aggression, Impulsivity, and Suicidal Intent Among Patients with Substance Dependence: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Substance dependence is a major public health concern frequently associated with behavioural dysregulation, including impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behaviour. However, limited Indian data exist examining these comorbidities and their clinical correlates among treatment-seeking populations.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of aggression, impulsivity, and suicidal intent among patients with substance dependence and examine their association with sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 adult patients (18–60 years) diagnosed with substance dependence syndrome as per ICD-10 criteria, attending a tertiary care psychiatry department. Patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders were excluded. Impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal intent were assessed using the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), and Beck Suicide Intent Scale (BSIS), respectively. Statistical analysis was done.

Results: The sample was predominantly male (89%), aged 18–30 years (29%), married (42%), from nuclear families (50%), and rural areas (41%). Alcohol (40%) and opioids (32%) were the most commonly used substances. Severe aggression was observed in 39%, high impulsivity in 80% and moderate suicidal intent in 34%. Substance type was significantly associated with impulsivity (p=0.019) but not aggression or suicidal intent. Age (p=0.031) showed significant association with aggression. Aggression (r=0.493, p<0.001) and impulsivity (r=0.474, p<0.001) demonstrated significant moderate positive correlations with suicidal intent, while aggression and impulsivity were not correlated with each other (r=-0.019, p=0.855).

Conclusion: Impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal intent are highly prevalent among substance-dependent patients, even without comorbid psychiatric disorders. Routine screening and integrated management of these should be an essential component of substance dependence treatment.