Gender differences in alcohol use disorder treatment: sociodemographic, mental health, personality, and neuropsychological factors

Rates of alcohol use increase among women, and the gender gap in alcohol use disorder (AUD) is narrowing. Earlier studies indicate that there are differences in a variety of demographic and psychological measures between men and women with AUD. Examining differences between treatment-seeking men and women to target the specific needs and effective interventions for women with AUD is thus of vital importance. This explorative study investigated differences in sociodemographic characteristics, psychological distress, personality functioning, and cognitive functioning between men and women seeking treatment for AUD. Treatment-seeking men and women with AUD differed on a series of mental health measures, personality functioning, and cognitive functioning. Women with AUD experienced the same level of harmful drinking as men with AUD, more psychological distress, more maladaptive personality functioning, and lower general intellectual functioning. The results indicate that treatment-seeking women with AUD have special needs that should be assessed and addressed in treatment. Further, there is a need for more integrated treatments targeting the high level of comorbidity experienced by women with AUD.