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Explaining unexpected gender differences in hostility among persons seeking treatment for substance use disorders
E A Robinson1, K J Brower, E S Gomberg
1Addictions Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48108-3318, USA.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|November 13, 2001
Summary
Women in substance abuse treatment showed higher hostility than men, not due to gender itself, but linked to adverse consequences, insomnia, and social factors. Depression and anxiety differences disappeared when controlling for population norms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Gender disparities in depression and anxiety are documented in individuals with substance use disorders.
- Limited research exists on gender differences in hostility among this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in depression, anxiety, and hostility in patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
- To explore factors contributing to observed gender differences in hostility.
Main Methods:
- Baseline data from 336 outpatients (62% male) at an addiction treatment agency were analyzed.
- Participants primarily had diagnoses of alcohol dependence or abuse (81%).
- The Brief Symptom Inventory was used to assess depression, anxiety, and hostility.
Main Results:
- Women reported significantly higher scores on depression, anxiety, and hostility subscales initially.
- After standardization to gender-keyed T scores, depression and anxiety differences became non-significant.
- Hostility differences remained significant, explained by adverse substance use consequences, insomnia, lack of social support, and marital status, not gender per se.
Conclusions:
- Women in this substance abuse treatment sample were not more depressed or anxious than men when accounting for population norms.
- Women exhibited higher hostility, which was associated with personal and social factors, not gender alone.
- Findings suggest treatment should address these contributing factors for effective intervention.
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