Alcoholism in women

Introduction: For decades, research on alcoholism was made with samples composed almost exclusively by males; however, the growing interest in the needs of women with this condition has led to an increase in studies on gender differences related to alcohol consumption disorders. Objective: To obtain...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2017-01, Vol.65 (1), p.15-22
Main Authors: María del Carmen Míguez, Beatriz Permuy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcoholismo
Bebidas alcohólicas
Mujeres
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Introduction: For decades, research on alcoholism was made with samples composed almost exclusively by males; however, the growing interest in the needs of women with this condition has led to an increase in studies on gender differences related to alcohol consumption disorders. Objective: To obtain an updated view of the differentiating characteristics of alcoholism in women. Materials and methods: Literature review of the databases PsycINFO and Medline between 2004 and 2014. Results: The reviewed studies show gender differences related to the age of consumption onset, clinical course, risk factors, presence of psychopathological comorbidity and demand for treatment. Conclusions: The onset of alcohol consumption in women occurs at a later age, and also, there is a shorter consumption history. Risk factors include increased frequency of traumatic events —such as child and sexual abuse— and cohabitation with an alcoholic partner. Women with alcoholism problems also have a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety, as well as a lower rate of healthcare services use.
ISSN:0120-0011
2357-3848
DOI:10.15446/revfacmed.v65n1.57482