The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Coping Styles, Reasons for Drinking, Craving and Remission in...

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a serious mental disorder that affects the individual, family, environment and society as a whole. In this study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and coping styles, with craving, reasons for consumption and finally remission history.

This is a cross sectional study. We included 90 Erenköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital AMATEM patients with AUD according to DSM-5. AUD diagnosis is confirmed by SCID-5 CV. Subjects with additional psychiatric conditions are excluded. Subjects without withdrawal symptoms by CIWA-Ar are included. Sociodemographic data form, Young Schema Questionnaire Short form-3, Young Rygh Avoidance Inventory, Young Compensation Inventory, Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised, Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale was applied.

Our findings show that male subjects who have early maladaptive schemas, especially in Impaired autonomy and performance; Failure, Disconnection and rejection; Social İsolation/alienation, Impaired Limits; Insufficient Self-Control/Self-Discipline domains, experience more cravings. Individuals coping with the Psychosomatism, Activity and Distraction, and Rebellion schemes experienced more craving. Those who coped with 'schema avoidance' tended towards alcohol consumption with Coping Motivation, and those who coped with 'schema compensation' with Impact Enhancement and Social motivations. There was no significant difference between the scores of the scales and the craving levels between the groups with and without a history of permanent remission.

The data in our study showed that early maladaptive schemas and ways of coping with schemas are associated with craving. In the early stages of treatment, it is important to consider cognitive intervention focused on schemas and coping styles.