[Classification, detection and diagnosis of chronic alcohol disorders]

Rev Prat. 2006 May 31;56(10):1061-4, 1066-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The alcohol misuse is associated with a wide range of medical and social problems. This is why it is very important to detect early-stages alcohol misuse. The early detection and the diagnosis of chronic alcohol consumption require simple to use, relevant tools. Alcoholisation behaviours are classified according to 5 categories: no use, use, and three types of misuse, at risk drinking, abuse or harmful drinking, and dependence. This screening of early-stage alcohol misuse is at first based on the clinical interview with the patient. It evaluates the alcohol consumption reported by the patient, specially the number of drinking days, the number of drinks per drinking day, the lapses, the type of alcoholic drinks, the way of drinking, and the events that influence it. Screening questionnaires can be usefull: CAGE and especially AUDIT. They can be used as auto-questionnaires. Three biological markers can be helpful to detect chronic alcohol consumption: GGT, MCV and CDT.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / diagnosis
  • Alcoholism / classification*
  • Alcoholism / diagnosis
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Attitude to Health
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Ethanol / poisoning
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Ethanol