Female alcoholics

Abstract

In a long-term follow-up study of 44 young female alcoholics, 57% were abstainers, light, or moderate drinkers with good social functioning. The women's vocational functioning had improved compared with the situation at intake. Nevertheless, many needed public financial support, and 62% reported mental disturbances relevant to their present functioning. Anxiety disorders with phobias, depression and psycho-somatic complaints were most frequently reported. A few women suffered from a post-traumatic stress syndrome following a relationship with a violent partner. The symptom picture of the abstainers and heavy drinkers was much the same when measured by the SCL-90, whereas the light and moderate drinkers had fewer symptoms and lower symptom intensity. The article discusses the complicated relationship between life situation, mental disorders, and personality disorders, in women alcoholics. All these aspects must be dealt with to allow a more effective treatment of female alcoholics.