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AmJCaseRep

Psycho(patho)logical functioning of adult children of alcoholics (ACoAs), outpatients of mental health clinic

Konstantinos Tsirigotis, Wojciech Gruszczyński

Med Sci Tech 2009; 50(2): RA81-88

ID: 881676

Available online:

Published: 2009-03-22


Introduction: The objective of the present study was to examine personality characteristics and the depth of possible psychopathology in adult children of alcoholics (ACoAs) outpatients of Mental Health Clinic (including gender differences). Material and methods: We examined 112 patients (76 women and 36 men) receiving professional psychological (also psychiatric in some cases) therapy by means of the MMPI and 100 healthy controls (50 women, 50 men). Results: The profile code of the examined ACoAs: 3 2 1 7 4 6 – 8 0 9 / 5 : F L K /; The profile code of the ACoA women: 1 3 2 7 4 8 6 – 0 9 / 5 : F L K /; The profile code of the ACoA men: 6 2 – 7 3 4 0 8 1 9 / 5 : L F K /. Conclusions: A majority of the profiles of the tested ACoAs were similar to the prototypical profiles of individuals abusing or addicted to alcohol even though the subjects themselves were not alcohol or substance dependent. The testees strongly identify with the social stereotype of gender roles. Besides the men’s profile was lower; the intrapsychic and interpersonal functioning of the women showed more somatic and anxiety-related symptoms of psychopathology. Our study as well as professional experience shows that more women than men in general seek professional psychological/psychiatric help. (Clin Exp Med Lett 2009; 50(2):81-88)

Keywords: Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoAs), Personality, Psychopathology, MMPI, female (gender)



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