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Multiple self-damaging behaviour among alcoholic women. A prevalence study.
1Department of Mental Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London.
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Many women in alcohol treatment have multiple impulse-control issues, including self-harm and eating disorders. Addressing all self-damaging behaviors simultaneously is crucial for effective treatment and preventing relapse.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Patients with behavior-control issues often present with complex, overlapping problems.
- A subgroup of 'multi-impulsive' patients requires integrated treatment approaches for impulse control disorders.
Observation:
- This study surveyed 50 women in an alcohol treatment unit to identify co-occurring behavioral control problems.
- Prevalence of eating disorders, self-harm, overdose attempts, impulsive violence, and promiscuity were assessed.
Findings:
- Three-quarters of the women exhibited behavioral problems beyond alcohol dependence.
- Over half reported overdose ideation or attempts; nearly half engaged in impulsive violence or promiscuity.
- At least 16% had a clinically diagnosable eating disorder, often concealed.
Implications:
- Recognizing and treating the full spectrum of impulse-control issues is vital for patient recovery.
- Integrated treatment addressing all self-damaging behaviors can prevent 'revolving door' relapses.
- Further research is needed to understand and manage multi-impulsive behaviors in clinical settings.