Personality traits in subtypes of alcoholics.

Abstract

Earlier studies have identified at least two distinct subgroups of alcoholics: Type II with early onset and high genetic loading and Type I with late onset in which genetic factors seem to be of minor importance. In the present study, type I and type II alcoholics are compared on stable personality traits determined by the Karolinska Scales of Personality. Both groups were found to have high scores on scales that measured somatic anxiety, psychic anxiety, muscular tension, impulsiveness, detachment, psychastenia, suspicion, guilt and inhibition of aggression. Both groups had low scores on the scale that measured socialization. Type II alcoholics had significantly higher scores than type I alcoholics on Somatic Anxiety and Verbal Aggression scales and significantly lower scores on Socialization and Inhibition of Aggression scales. On the Impulsive Sensation-Seeking Psychopathy factor (Impulsiveness + Monotony Avoidance - Socialization), type II alcoholics were significantly differentiated from both type I alcoholics and healthy volunteers. Results of this study were consistent with those of other studies indicating that alcoholism accompanied by antisocial behavior should be kept separate from alcoholism that is unrelated to antisocial behavior.