Cognitive functions in alcoholics and success in treatment: how are they related?
Previous studies have indicated that alcoholics with cognitive deficits success poorly in treatment programs. The purpose of this study was to examine that problem. A total of 102 Finnish alcoholics took part. The results of the WAIS Block Design were associated with the therapists' evaluations of the success of treatment, although some of them systematically either underrated or overrated the outcomes. The clients' evaluations, by contrast, were not associated with the cognitive functioning. Clients had more positive evaluations of their success in treatment than did the therapists. This result is consistent with the findings of social psychological studies which indicate that people are inclined to have more positive evaluations of themselves than they do of other people. The results are discussed in terms of practical issues concerning the treatment of alcoholism.
Saarnio
P
P
University of Tampere, Department of Social Policy, Finland.
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014888:Wechsler Scales