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Electrical Aversion Therapy with Alcoholics: A Comparative Follow-up Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

J. H. Glover  and
P. A. McCue
J. H. Glover
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Department, Stratheden Hospital, Cupar, Fife
P. A. McCue
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Department, Stratheden Hospital, Cupar, Fife
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Summary

A group of alcoholics treated by partially reinforced electrical escape conditioning were found to have a significantly better outcome on follow-up than a selected control group, who showed a parallel level of motivation, and were treated by conventional methods. No sex differences in outcome were found for either group. In the experimental group, better prognosis was associated with higher social class and older age, and poorer prognosis with single marital status. There were no variations in outcome for age in the control group. In the age range 20–40 aversion therapy showed no better results than conventional therapies, but with subjects above this age range it was very significantly superior. The results are discussed with reference to the application of aversion therapy to alcoholism.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 130 , Issue 3 , March 1977 , pp. 279 - 286
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1977 

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