title: Treating alcoholism: an age-specific intervention that works for older patients.
abstract: Alcoholism occurs in 10 to 15% of the population over age 65 and may be difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis is based on a history aimed at detecting behavioral problems associated with drinking, administering an in-office screening instrument, and conducting tests of liver function and/or mean corpuscular volume. The most effective treatment approach in this population focuses on the stresses of aging and co-existing depression, rather than on alcohol use itself. This approach has been found equally effective in long-standing alcoholics and those who develop a drinking problem in late life. Generally, older alcoholics are very responsive to treatment.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zimberg
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy