THE VALUE OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY IN ALCOHOLISM

Abstract

A study of 95 alcoholics shows that the abnormal eeg''s which accompany the acute alcoholic brain syndrome tend to improve to normal; whereas those which accompany the chronic brain syndrome tend to persist. These findings indicate that the so-called character disorder of most chronic alcoholics is not the sole underlying personality disturbance, but is organically overdetermined, probably due to a cortical atrophy of the frontal lobes. A new orientation towards alcoholism is emphasized. Alcoholics should be treated as victims of alcoholic brain disease. They should primarily be given strong emotional support, without efforts at insight therapy. All measures should also be taken to have abstain from drinking in order to prevent further organic deterioration.