A cross-sectional study of personality characteristics linked to alcohol dependency in patients receiving outpatient care in a tertiary care facility-Karaikal, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Alcohol dependence is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol consumption, impaired control, and withdrawal symptoms. Personality traits significantly contribute to the onset, maintenance, and severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aims to evaluate the personality characteristics associated with alcohol dependence in outpatient care patients at a tertiary care facility in Karaikal, Puducherry.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care hospital's outpatient department (OPD). The study included 100 patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence per DSM-5 criteria. Sociodemographic data, personality traits (assessed using NEO-FFI/MMPI), and alcohol dependency severity (evaluated using AUDIT/SADQ) were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA.
Results: The study population comprised 92% males and 70% married individuals. The majority (54%) had been consuming alcohol for over 10 years, with 65% reporting daily consumption. A family history of alcoholism was present in 58% of participants. Personality analysis revealed high neuroticism (Mean ± SD: 72.4 ± 6.8), low conscientiousness (42.5 ± 7.9), and low agreeableness (48.9 ± 6.4). Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between high neuroticism and increased severity of alcohol dependence (p < 0.001). Low conscientiousness and low agreeableness were also associated with severe alcohol dependence (p < 0.05). Psychological comorbidities were common, with anxiety (40%) and depression (35%) being the most prevalent.
Conclusion: High neuroticism, low conscientiousness, and low agreeableness are significantly associated with alcohol dependence severity. These findings align with the Five-Factor Model of personality and highlight the need for tailored therapeutic interventions focusing on personality-specific approaches to improve treatment outcomes in alcohol-dependent individuals.