Gender effects on psychiatric profiles of substance abusing persons

The effects of gender on specific psychiatric variables of substance abusing persons was investigated with the goal of designing gender-appropriate programs for the treatment of addiction. A population of 120 male and 88 female substance abusers were drawn from two urban outpatient drug treatment centers and one HIV outpatient counseling center. Participants were given paper and pencil questionnaires; a number of participants were interviewed and a three generation family genogram was constructed to evaluate family function based on Bowen Systems Theory. Variables measured in the questionnaires were trait anxiety, depression, coping style, adaption in relationship, and level of differentiation of self. Results demonstrated significant differences in level of differentiation of self (p $\u3c$.005) and coping styles (p $\u3c$.02). Genogram construction revealed highly conflictual families with multi-generational drug and alcohol problems as well as high levels of physical and verbal abuse, neglect and cut-offs