Psychopathology of cocaine dependent patients in a therapeutic community

Male patients in a therapeutic community (n=102) from a city in southern Brazil, with a primary diagnosis of cocaine dependence, were evaluated with Exner's Comprehensive System for the Rorschach, with the objective of describing personality psychopathology.

High lambdas were present in 62% of patients. 60.8% of the patients scored positive in the Coping Deficit Index; 22.5% in the Depression Index. Other constellations were infrequently present (<5%).

A positive CDI, a measure of difficulty in the management of complexities and poor social skills, may have treatment-matching implications, such as the selection of interventions targeted at interpersonal difficulties. Personality assessment should be considered in such patients.