P02-382 - Women suffering from alcoholism and women dependent on their husbands’ alcoholization

Abstract

Clinical-psychological examination of 101 women, of whom - 49 women suffering from alcoholism (mean age 33 ± 7,56 years), and 52 co-dependent women - wives of alcoholics (mean age 42 ± 3,17). Clinical-dynamic study of mental state of women of childbearing age with alcohol dependence revealed the following: aggravated family history of alcoholism (mainly paternal), a high progression of disease (duration of formation of physical dependence on alcohol from 1 to 5 years), greater frequency of occurrence of spousal alcoholism - 36% of cases are actively involved in alcohol addiction among women, 8% of men regarding alcohol abuse of women were indifferent compared to disapproving (29%) or active opposition of alcohol abuse (27%) in other cases. Analysis of the results of experimental psychological research has revealed pronounced similarity of personality profiles of dependent and co-dependent women, and allowed to describe average personality profile submitted by rise in 2nd scale (DE), 6th scale (Pa) and 9 (Ma) scale of MMPI (code Profile 2,6,9/-8, K). Psychological defense of dependent and co-dependent women also did not present significant differences; however, co-dependence of women has more pronounced formation, regression, and intellectualization. This phenomenon may be due to high level of emotional stress caused by presence of patients with alcoholism, which is not reduced, as in alcohol dependent patients. This confirms hypothesis about the similarity of manifestations of dependence and co-dependence and need for psychological adjustment, especially with regard to feelings of guilt, inadequate self-esteem, increased sense of responsibility and awareness of problems of “co-dependence”.