The Importance of Age at Onset of Excessive Alcohol Use with Regard to Psychiatric Symptoms and Personality Characteristics

Psychiatric symptoms and personality characteristics were studied in men (n=252) and women (n=86) as they commenced treatment for excessive alcohol use. The Addiction Severity Index, Symptom Check List, and Temperament and Character Inventory were used. ANOVA with early/late onset and gender as covariates showed significantly lower scores for psychiatric symptoms and more mature personality characteristics in the late-onset group compared to early onset. Men described more depression and anxiety, and women higher persistence. Results indicate the importance of considering age at onset of excessive alcohol use when patients enter treatment because different treatment approaches may be required.