Screening for alcohol problems: an epidemiological perspective and implications for primary care.
In a random sample of 917 adults from the general population greater St. Louis, 19.6% of respondents screened positive for "probable alcohol abuse or dependence". Screening positive is indicative of unhealthy drinking patterns. The regular use of such instruments in primary care settings could facilitate patient-physician communication regarding alcohol problems, thereby improving detection and leading to greater utilization of appropriate medical treatment, including pharmacotherapy.
Grucza
Richard A
RA
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, USA. rick@wustl.edu
Przybeck
Thomas R
TR
Cloninger
C Robert
CR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires