ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Studies reveal a functional impairment in patients with personality disorders (PDs), but there is not enough information to form conclusions about this relation in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent a personality disorders scales including pathological personality traits (PPTs) predict six domains of functioning in patients with AUD. METHODS: In total, 48 patients with AUD diagnosis, who were treated in the psychiatric clinics, aged 20 to 65 years [M = 37.5; SD = 12.08; 12 (25%) females and 36 (75%) males], filled out the demographic questionnaire, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0, Latvian version) and Latvian Clinical Personality Inventory (LCPI v2.1.). All respondents signed the informed consent form. RESULTS: Stepwise regression analysis showed that PD Avoidant scale positively predicts impairment in Cognition and Getting along domains of functioning in AUD patients, but, on the PPTs level, it was found that Social withdrawal along with Irresponsibility and Guilt/Shame positively predict impairment in Cognition domain of functioning, and Social withdrawal along with Depressivity and Irresponsibility positively predict impairment in Getting along domain of functioning. The results of the study showed that PPT Orderliness negatively predicts impairment in Live activities domain of functioning. The PD Dependent scale and PPT Separation insecurity positively predict impairment in Participation domain of functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results add deeper insight into understanding of the relationship between personality disorders scales including pathological personality traits and six domains of functioning in patients with AUD.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The basis of substance use disorders (SUD) is formed with regard to biopsychosocial aspects. By following the SUD biological model exclusively, the effectiveness of treatment is limited since all the formation aspects of SUD are not taken into account. By using the psychosocial model, however, the understanding and treatment of a substance use illness becomes enhanced and is more effective. A key role in this model is played by self-help groups and psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the viewpoint of patients with substance use disorders in terms of the number of visits, duration of treatment, efficacy of self-help groups, and individual and group psychotherapy in different treatment methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants were approached by researchers at two drug and alcohol services in Latvia. In total, 587 patients received questionnaires developed by the authors of the study. RESULTS: All the 587 questionnaires of both outpatient respondents (n=200, 34.1%) and inpatient respondents (n=387, 65.9%) were analyzed. Of all the outpatient department respondents, 41.5% (n=83) attended self-help groups, 28.5% (n=57) individual psychotherapy, and 14.5% (n=29) group psychotherapy; the inpatient department respondents were 2 to 4 times less often involved in the measures. CONCLUSIONS: The outpatient respondents were more frequently employed. They attended self-help groups and psychotherapy and obtained longer remission comparing with inpatient respondents. This study has shown that patients had a greater success rate in staying in remission, maintaining outpatient care and shedding the need of inpatient care.
