Considerations on the quality of life in patients with dual diagnosis of depressive disorder and alcohol dependence

Quality of life is defined as the individual’s perception of his social, cultural value systems in the context in which one lives and in corelation with his needs, aspirations and standards (WHO, 1994). Patients with depression and alcoholism are associated with low scores on tests assessing quality of life. Quality of life assessment is useful for planning and evaluation of medical and psychological treatment outcomes.