Greater self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism in severe alcohol use disorder

Perfectionistic individuals present exaggerated performance standards, generating a constant search for flawlessness and a high tendency to self-criticize. Dominant models distinguish three dimensions of perfectionism: namely, self-oriented, socially prescribed and other-oriented. Perfectionism constitutes a vulnerability factor for psychopathological disorders, but its role in severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD) remains unexplored.

Sixty-five recently detoxified patients with SAUD and 65 matched controls completed a perfectionism questionnaire (the Hewitt Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), together with measures of psychopathology.

SAUD was associated with greater self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, with no group differences on other-oriented perfectionism. This differential pattern persisted when controlling for depression and anxiety levels, and there was no correlation with alcohol consumption.

This specific perfectionistic profile is consistent with those of previous studies showing lower self-evaluation (e.g., higher self-blame and reduced self-esteem) and impaired social cognition (e.g., unrealistic social standards and greater social isolation) in SAUD. In view of its potential role in the development and maintenance of SAUD, perfectionism may constitute a valuable treatment target in patients with this disorder.