Defense mechanisms in alcoholics attending outpatient treatment. Results from the MCT-test (Meta-Contrast Technique).
Defensive strategies were studied in 72 alcoholics participating in outpatient treatment by using, before the treatment started, the Meta-Contrast Technique, MCT, a percept-genetic method. Alcoholics had less often adaptive strategies than controls. A lack of adaptive defense strategies was related to a more impaired psychic status, more psychological benefits from drinking, and more psychiatric symptoms but not to severity of alcoholism or results of psychometric tests (intellectual level, field-dependence, spatial performance). It does not seem inconceivable that the MCT could be used as a diagnostic tool in treatment planning.
Ojehagen
A
A
Department of Psychiatry, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Smith
G J
GJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics