2024-03-29T08:08:02Zhttp://open-archive.highwire.org/handler
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1042015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
A comparison of rating scales for the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome
Williams, David
Lewis, Julia
McBride, Andrew
REVIEW
— This paper reviews the literature on the use of rating scales within the treatment of the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome. A computer-assisted literature search identified trials of therapy for and rating scales used in alcohol-withdrawal states. Eighteen rating scales were identified. There is a wide variation in symptom items included in these scales. Scales also vary in their length and ease of application. We conclude that it is important to use validated and reliable assessment scales in research if proper comparisons of treatments for the alcohol-withdrawal syndrome are to be made.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/104
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.104
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1092015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Cochrane drugs and alcohol group: the development of systematic reviews of treatment outcome
Mattick, Richard P.
Ali, Robert
Auriacombe, Marc
Davoli, Marina
Faggiano, Fabrizio
Farrell, Michael
Ferri, Marica
Ling, Walter
INVITED COMMENTARY
— The aim of the Cochrane Collaboration is to promote review processes which address all aspects of health care and which can be viewed by clinicians to guide their day-to-day clinical practice. Recently, a Cochrane review group on drugs and alcohol has been developed. The Cochrane Review Group Editorial base is in Rome, Italy. There is an international editorial board with editors in the UK, Italy, France, Australia and the USA. So far, the group has published five reviews addressing treatment for opioid, cocaine and alcohol dependence. Additional reviews and protocols are in progress. A growing number of titles are registered with the group. Interested readers and potential reviewers and/or referees can contact the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Coordinator in Rome at the e-mail address: <inter-ref locator="dacochrane@asplazio.it" locator-type="email">dacochrane@asplazio.it</inter-ref>
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/109
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.109
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1122015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Alcohol use inventory: screening and assessment of first-time driving-while-impaired offenders. I. Reliability and profiles
Chang, I.
Lapham, S. C.
Wanberg, K. W.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— This study evaluated the use of the Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI) in a drink-driving offender population court-mandated to attend a screening programme. We compared offenders' scale scores, reliability statistics and profiles to those from two clinical populations on which the AUI was normed. Among offenders, males and females had similar levels of involvement with alcohol, and Native Americans had higher scale scores than other ethnic groups. Comparisons with the normative population revealed lower mean scale scores and lower reliability scores among offenders. Differences between the offender and normative populations were most pronounced for the primary scales. We also found inconsistencies in offenders' responses to certain questions. To address this, we recommend that, when using the AUI for screening offenders: (1) screeners place more emphasis on second- and third-order scales than primary scales; (2) lower cut-off points be used for identifying problem drinkers; (3) counsellors conduct in-person interviews with clients to develop rapport and encourage self-disclosure.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/112
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.112
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1222015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Alcohol use inventory: screening and assessment of first-time driving-while-impaired offenders. II. Typology and predictive validity
Chang, I.
Lapham, S. C.
Baca, J. C'de
Davis, J. W.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— This study evaluated the use of Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI) for driving-while-impaired (DWI) screening, by determining whether DWI offenders (<it>n</it> = 1644), grouped according to their reported alcohol involvement on the AUI, would have different rates of recidivism in a 5-year follow-up. Cluster analysis using the six second-order scales produced six groups (clusters 1–6) described as the Low-Profile (50%), Alcohol-Preoccupation (14%), Enhanced (22%), Enhanced-Disrupt (9%), Anxious-Disrupt (3%), and High-Profile (1%) types. They were characterized by different sociodemographic profiles. Members of cluster 4 were associated with the highest DWI recidivism rate (40%), committing one or more further DWI, and clusters 5 and 6 were associated with the highest rate of committing two or more DWIs. Rates of subsequent traffic convictions and crashes were, however, not statistically different among the clusters. Predictors of DWI recidivism included male gender, young age, less-educated, high blood-alcohol concentration at arrest, and clusters of 3 and 4. Different typologies indicated that the needs for treatment might be different. Evaluators should keep in mind the strength of AUI, use risk factors identified in the study, and take measures of test-taking defensiveness to enhance overall predictive validity.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/122
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.122
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1312015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Gin Lane: did Hogarth know about fetal alcohol syndrome?
Abel, Ernest L.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— Medical historians have searched for evidence that the characteristics of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) were recognized long before its modern description in 1973. This search has often focused on the ‘gin epidemic’ in 18th century London, and especially William Hogarth's <it>Gin Lane</it>, which some authors allege reflects an awareness of the facial characteristics of the syndrome. While the ‘gin epidemic’ undoubtedly resulted in the increased birth of weak and sickly children, claims about Hogarth's awareness of the stigmata of the FAS are unfounded. The birth of weak and sickly children, and the high infant mortality rates associated with this period, long preceded the ‘gin epidemic’ and were primarily due to disease, starvation, exposure, and deliberate infanticide.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/131
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.131
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1352015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Exploring attitude and belief correlates of adhering to the new guidelines for low-risk single-occasion drinking: an application of the theory of planned behaviour
Murgraff, Vered
McDermott, Mark R.
Walsh, James
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— The present study explores the correlates of adhering to the recent low-risk single-occasion drinking (LRSOD) guidelines. This was achieved by exploring key beliefs and attitudes underlying adherence to these guidelines within the framework of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Female students (<it>n</it> = 173) provided information about their LRSOD and beliefs and attitudes pertaining to LRSOD. Analyses of the resultant data showed the TPB to be significantly predictive of LRSOD, accounting for 27% of the variance, with normative beliefs, behavioural beliefs, and attitude emerging as significant predictors in the regression analysis. The implications of the study findings are discussed in terms of the current utility of the LRSOD limits for reducing alcohol-related harm.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/135
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.135
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1412015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Opinions on alcohol-related issues among professionals in primary, occupational, and specialized health care
Kääriäinen, Janne
Sillanaukee, Pekka
Poutanen, Pauli
Seppä, Kaija
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— The objective of this study was to analyse differences in health care personnel's knowledge, skills, and attitudes in relation to alcohol-related matters by a postal questionnaire between primary, occupational, and specialized health care. Heavy drinking was considered to be common among patients at all health care levels, and particularly in specialized health care. However, early recognition and treatment of heavy drinkers was considered more appropriate in primary and occupational health care, than in specialized health care. Alcohol consumption was found to be an easy subject to discuss at all health care levels. In addition, 90% (165/183) of the respondents thought that patients had a positive or neutral attitude towards questions on their alcohol consumption. Of the respondents, 32% (58/182) considered discussing alcohol-related matters unacceptable and 81% (121/149) believed that they could not influence patients' drinking using brief intervention; there was no significant difference between different settings. Additionally, motivational skills of doctors and nurses were found to be poor at all health care levels. Our study shows that, although discussing alcohol consumption is easy, better motivational skills and more positive attitudes are needed in primary, occupational, and specialized health care. Professionals need further education at all health care levels, but particularly in specialized health care.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/141
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.141
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1472015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Measuring the facial phenotype of individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure: correlations with brain dysfunction
Astley, Susan J.
Clarren, Sterling K.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— The purpose of this report is to demonstrate how to measure the magnitude of expression of the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) facial phenotype using the new 4-Digit Diagnostic Code and the previously developed D-score and to demonstrate how these two measures of the FAS facial phenotype correlate with brain function and structure; correlations that fail to be identified by the older gestalt method of facial measurement. The D-score and the facial component of the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code quantitatively measure the magnitude of expression of the FAS facial phenotype using three facial features (palpebral fissure length, philtrum smoothness, and upper lip thinness). These facial measurement systems were developed by the Washington State FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network (FAS DPN) of clinics and are used to screen and diagnose the facial component of FAS for all patients evaluated in the network of clinics (1500 to date). The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code is a comprehensive diagnostic system developed by the FAS DPN in 1997 to diagnose the full spectrum of outcomes among patients with prenatal alcohol exposure. The four digits reflect the magnitude of expression of the four key diagnostic features of FAS in the following order: (1) growth deficiency; (2) the FAS facial phenotype; (3) brain dysfunction; (4) gestational alcohol exposure. The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code was developed to overcome the subjective, highly variable gestalt method of diagnosis that has been used as the standard to date, worldwide. Prior to the development of the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code, the first 445 patients evaluated in the FAS DPN were diagnosed using the gestalt method. For research purposes, their gestalt diagnoses were transformed into 4-Digit Diagnostic Codes, presenting a unique opportunity to directly compare the two diagnostic methods. When the facial phenotype was measured using the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code or D-score, the magnitude of expression of the FAS facial phenotype was significantly correlated with structural, neurologic, and functional measures of brain damage, and the phenotype of those receiving a 4-Digit Diagnosis of FAS showed little variability. When the gestalt method of diagnosis was used, the magnitude of expression of the FAS facial phenotype did not correlate with structural, neurologic and functional measures of brain damage, and the facial phenotype of those receiving a gestalt diagnosis of FAS was highly variable. The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code and D-score thus provide more precise and accurate measures of the FAS facial phenotype and reveal important correlations with brain structure and function, suggesting that intermediate expressions of the FAS facial phenotype may serve as important risk factors for brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/147
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.147
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1602015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Health care professionals referred for treatment of alcohol and drug problems
Gossop, Michael
Stephens, Sue
Stewart, Duncan
Marshall, Jane
Bearn, Jennifer
Strang, John
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— This study reports on 62 health care professionals referred to a specialist drug and alcohol treatment service. Most patients used more than one type of substance. Health problems were common, but were seldom reasons for referral. Self-referral was infrequent. Referral was often subsequent to intoxication at work or persistent absenteeism. Just over half of admissions com-pleted treatment. Multiple drug use was a poor prognostic indicator with fewer multiple drug users engaging with, or completing, treatment.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/160
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.160
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1652015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Sweet liking and family history of alcoholism in hospitalized alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients
Kampov-Polevoy, A. B.
Tsoi, M. V.
Zvartau, E. E.
Neznanov, N. G.
Khalitov, E.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that preference for stronger sweet solutions may be associated with the genetic risk for alcoholism. Thirty-two male patients with alcohol dependence admitted for alcoholism in-patient treatment and 25 non-alcoholic control subjects were used in the study. Hedonic response to sweets was evaluated using the sweet preference test. Family history of alcoholism was evaluated using a Russian version of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test modified for the assessment of the alcohol-related behaviour of the subject's biological father. Similar to our previous findings, alcoholics were far more likely to prefer the highest offered sucrose concentration (0.83 M), compared to non-alcoholic controls. Such preference was determined by two factors: positive family history of alcoholism and alcoholic status. Statistically, these factors contributed to the likelihood of preferring sweet solutions independently. Therefore, the effects of these factors may enhance each other. These findings support the hypothesis that preference for a stronger sweet solution is associated with a paternal history of alcohol dependence and may reflect a genetic predisposition to alcoholism.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/165
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.165
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1712015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Visual performance and recovery in recently detoxified alcoholics
Wegner, A.-J.
Günthner, A.
Fahle, M.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
— In order to assess the impact of chronic alcohol misuse on basic visual functions, we investigated motion perception, visual short-term memory, and visual divided attention in recently detoxified patients and matched controls by means of visual psychophysical tasks. Subjects were tested twice within the first 3 weeks of detoxification in order to assess the potential recovery of visual performance. Patients demonstrated significant impairments in visual perception of coherent motion for slow, but not faster, speeds, and in speed discrimination as assessed by random dot kinematograms. Visual short-term memory tested with a delayed vernier discrimination task, on the other hand, was not significantly affected in patients. When processing hierarchical letters, a divided attention task, detoxified patients showed neither impairments in overall attentional capacity nor attentional allocation, but slightly enhanced interference of global information on local target processing. The results of the visual divided attention task contradict the predictions of the ‘right hemisphere' hypothesis of alcoholism: global target information — mediated by the right hemisphere — was not only accessible to detoxified patients, but seemed to exert an even greater influence on local processing during early detoxification, than in matched controls. Limited recovery within the first 3 weeks was seen only in visual speed discrimination. Recently detoxified patients revealed deficits similar to intoxicated social drinkers in identical tests of visual perception of motion, but not visual short-term memory.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/171
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.171
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/180-a2015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
The value of oral thiamine: reply
Cook, C. C. H.
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
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http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/180-a
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.180-a
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/1802015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
The value of oral thiamine
Madden, J. S.
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/180
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.180
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol
oai:open-archive.highwire.org:alcalc:36/2/992015-05-19HighWireOUPalcalc:36:2
Genetic association studies of alcoholism -- problems with the candidate gene approach
Buckland, Paul R.
INVITED REVIEW
— In recent years, progress has been made in the identification of causative factors in most single gene disorders and those with genes of major effect. In comparison, no genes contributing to a complex disorder have been unambiguously identified. A number of reasons for this have been previously presented in theoretical papers. Alcoholism is such a complex illness and genetic studies into its underlying genetic causes have suffered from lack of power due to small subject numbers, poor selection of control subjects, and over-emphasis on markers with low prior probability of involvement.
Oxford University Press
2001-03-01 00:00:00.0
TEXT
text/html
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/2/99
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/36.2.99
en
Copyright (C) 2001, Medical Council on Alcohol