Introduction:

For decades, research on alcoholism was made with samples composed almost exclusively by males; however, the growing interest in the needs of women with this condition has led to an increase in studies on gender differences related to alcohol consumption disorders.

Objective:

To obtain an updated view of the differentiating characteristics of alcoholism in women.

Materials and methods:

Literature review of the databases PsyclNFO and Medline between 2004 and 2014.

Results:

The reviewed studies show gender differences related to the age of consumption onset, clinical course, risk factors, presence of psychopathological comorbidity and demand for treatment.

Conclusions:

The onset of alcohol consumption in women occurs at a later age, and also, there is a shorter consumption history. Risk factors include increased frequency of traumatic events -such as child and sexual abuse- and cohabitation with an alcoholic partner. Women with alcoholism problems also have a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety, as well as a lower rate of healthcare services use.

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