Description of type of trauma in alcohol-dependent women

Abstract

BackgroundThe literature has established a solid link between trauma and female alcohol dependence. However, detailed knowledge about these traumatic experiences is lacking. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe and characterize the types of trauma experienced by alcohol-dependent women. MethodsWe used a rigorous methodology based on a validated questionnaire (the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ]) and a semi-structured interview by a psychiatrist. We recorded the type of trauma (sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect, domestic violence, accidents, moral harassment, traumatic experience of death or serious disease of a relative), number of traumatic events, time of trauma (during childhood or adulthood), and the isolated or repeated nature of the trauma. ResultsTwenty-eight (68%) of the 41 women of our cohort had experienced at least one form of trauma during their lifetime. These 28 women constitute the traumatized group, which was studied in detail. Sixty-eight percent of these traumatized women had experienced at least one form of trauma during childhood. Sixty-one percent reported sexual abuse (isolated or repeated) during their lifetime. Sixty-nine percent had experienced at least two forms of trauma during their lifetime. Eighteen percent still satisfied the diagnostic criteria of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but 32% of them had previously experienced an episode of PTSD. ConclusionThe victimization experienced by alcohol-dependent women is frequently marked by repeated and chronic trauma. It is very important to consider the traumatic experience of these patients and to propose specific treatment programs.