RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim was to examine an ability to identify and manage the emotions defined as Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) among benzodiazepine-dependent patients. METHOD: 32 benzodiazepine-dependent patients had been chosen to participate in the study. They were examined by the following EQ measurement surveys: INTE, SIE-T. Personality traits and anxiety levels have been studied using NEO-FFI and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: Research points toward EQ decrease among benzodiazepine dependent patients, particularly in face expression recognition ability. Most characteristic results are the neurotic trait (high results), extrovert and scrupulous. CONCLUSIONS: Improving abilities enabling proper use of emotional intelligence in problem-solving and effective social functioning is apparently an important component of therapeutic programmes for benzodiazepine dependent patients.