Study of the association between MMPI and alcohol addiction type

Background

It is known that alcohol addiction is a multidimensional and extensive public health problem. Apart from many other parameters, the psychological factors and the type of dependence it is decisive for the therapeutic intervention and relapse prevention.

To evaluate the clinical profile of alcohol depended patients as derived from the MMPI subscales, and various parameters associated with alcohol dependence.

Materials and methods

35 alcoholic patients (28 men and 7 women) which were admittred for alcohol detoxification and fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for dependence completed the MMPI, their demographic details were recorded, as well as family history for alcohol addiction, type of alcoholism, years of use and years of abuse of alcohol.

Results

The average age was 43,4 years ± of 8.1 and the years of education 10,7±:3,1. The average years of use were 20,08±9,10 and the average years of abuse were 8,03±6,31. For the whole sample the males surpassed the females in both parameters. Marital status: (28,6%) were single, (37,1%) married and (34,3%) divorced. There was negative family history for alcohol addiction in (57,1%) patients and (42,9%) had positive. Type of alcoholism: In (80%) it was type I and (20%) had type II. MMPI results: higher was the scale of psychopathy with an average 94,03 ±16, and the second scale schizophrenia with average 85,20±15,54. In the women the value in the introversion scale was smaller (44,28 vs 53.79 t test p<0.05 ). Patients (single and divorced) presented higher values in the scale of depression(65,77 vs 57,15 t test p<0.05). Positive heredity and the type of dependence did not differentiate the sample. The time of use was positively correlated with the Hypochondriasis, Depression, Histrionic as well as thee scales of Paranoia and Psychasthenia. The time of abuse was correlated with the psychasthenia scale (Spearman test p<0.05).The indicators of validity were within acceptable levels. The time of abuse was greater in the men that in the women.

Conclusions

The scale of psychopathy, as well as schizophrenia is high, even if the last one should be often considered as a component of anxiety event and not referring to genuine psychotic characteristics. However, it is established that the psychotic patients have increased abuse of alcohol. The scale of depression is increased in single and divorced patients and this finding is compatible with the increased frequency and severity of dependence in these groups. The study is found in development for the evaluation of also rests of parameters.