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Gender differences in depression and anxiety among alcoholics
L A Benishek1, K J Bieschke, B E Stöffelmayr
1Michigan State University.
Journal of Substance Abuse
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Men and women with substance abuse show different responses to alcoholism treatment, influenced by psychopathology. For women, psychological functioning predicts treatment success, unlike in men.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Psychopathology, including depression and anxiety, may impact substance abuse treatment outcomes differently in men and women.
- Understanding these gender-specific differences is crucial for tailoring effective addiction treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between global psychopathology, depression, anxiety, and alcoholism treatment outcomes.
- To examine gender differences in these relationships within a substance abuse client sample.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 507 substance abuse clients (373 men, 134 women) at intake and 6-month follow-up.
- Measured alcohol problems, alcohol dependence, depression, anxiety, and global psychopathology.
Main Results:
- Significant gender differences were observed in alcohol problems, depression, anxiety, and global psychopathology at intake and follow-up (except alcohol dependence).
- For the total sample and men, baseline alcohol problems and dependence predicted follow-up outcomes.
- For women, baseline alcohol dependence and global psychological functioning predicted treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Gender moderates the relationship between psychopathology and alcoholism treatment response.
- Psychological functioning is a key predictor for women's treatment success, highlighting the need for gender-tailored interventions in addiction care.