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Survey study, 1996

Do women with alcohol dependence drink more during the premenstrual phase?

Yes, about one-third of women with alcohol dependence drank more premenstrually than at other times of the month. This finding is based on a small study, so we cannot be very certain about it.

Early or limited evidence Women with alcohol dependence attending treatment clinics

What they did

Researchers asked women at alcohol treatment clinics about their premenstrual symptoms and alcohol dependence using two standard questionnaires (the Premenstrual Assessment Form and the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire). They collected information over a 2-year period.

What they found

One-third of the women in the study drank more premenstrually than at other times of the month.

What it means for you

For women with alcohol dependence, the premenstrual phase may be a time when drinking increases. Recognizing these high-risk times could help with counseling. However, this was a small study with no comparison group, so the finding should be treated as preliminary.

one-third

Proportion of women who drank more premenstrually

About the study

Original title
Are alcoholic women more likely to drink premenstrually?
Authors
Allen D
Journal
Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Year
1996
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None - the study examined existing drinking patterns

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