Subtypes of early age onset alcoholism.
Forty-three adolescents qualifying for a DSM-III-R diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence were classified according to the internalizing-externalizing behavior dimension. Two clusters were identified. The majority of subjects clustered into a group characterized by behavioral dyscontrol and hypophoria (history of suicide attempts) (cluster 2), whereas the other group was primarily featured by negative affect (cluster 1). Cluster 2 subjects demonstrated more severe alcohol and drug use-related problems, behavioral disturbances, and general psychopathology; lower prevalence of depressive disorders; and less severe anxiety disorders. These results, implicating two variants of adolescent alcohol abuse/dependence, suggest the need to tailor differential treatments to adolescents with alcohol abuse/dependence based on personality characteristics and clinical presentation.
Mezzich
A
A
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213.
Tarter
R
R
Kirisci
L
L
Clark
D
D
Buckstein
O
O
Martin
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010553:Personality Development; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers