Problem severity profiles of substance abusing women in European Therapeutic Communities: Influence of psychiatric problems

Abstract 

This article aims to search for a specific female, psychiatric profile based on a large European sample of substance dependent clients (828) entering therapeutic communities. First, all six areas of functioning of the EuropASI were included, using the composite scores to search for gender differences. Next, the 'psychiatric' status section was selected for further study. A binary logistic regression was performed with gender as the dependent variable, and nine individual psychiatric items, country, and age as predictors. According to this model a number of problem variables could be identified as being reported more often by women than by men in therapeutic community treatment. Women are more likely to report serious depression, problems in understanding, concentrating or remembering, being prescribed medication, and serious thoughts about suicide; they have also attempted suicide more often than men. Women find treatment for these psychological problems more important than their male counterparts. They also have a more severe history of abuse. Women in therapeutic communities may need specific treatment interventions for their more severe psychiatric needs.

Keywords:  Psychiatric status, Substance abuse, Gender differences, Female psychiatric profile, Therapeutic communities