title: The relation between drinking habits and neuroticism and weak ego among male and female alcoholic patients.
abstract: The relationship between drinking habits and personality functioning was studied in a consecutive series of 300 alcoholic inpatients during treatment and 2 1/2 years later. The alcoholic sample showed more signs of neuroticism and lack of ego strength than the general population. Among the alcoholics there was a relationship between advanced drinking habits and more pathological personality functioning. However at the follow-up improved drinking habits were connected only with improved self-esteem, particularly among female patients.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D010551:Personality