Threshold and Optimal Cut-Points for Alcohol Use Disorders Among Patients in the Emergency Department

摘要: Background:  Current research suggests that Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM)-IV alcohol abuse dependence form a unidimensional continuum in emergency department (ED) patients 4 countries: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, the United States. In this use disorder (AUD), there are no clear-cut distinctions between criteria for severity dimension based on prior results from item response theory (IRT) analysis. Nevertheless, it is desirable to find threshold identifying cases clinical practice cut-points utility distinguish more or less affected by an AUD, using scale symptoms count. Methods:  Data 5,193 7 ED sites same countries (3,191 current drinkers) were used study structure, threshold, possible diagnoses AUD. Results:  The proposed changes DSM-V, dropping “legal problems” adding “craving,” did not impact IRT performance unidimensionality AUD sample. With total set 11 items (deleting “craving” DSM criteria), endorsement 2 can be as define those with practice. Furthermore, we at least levels severity, 3 (moderate), (severe). Conclusions:  A dimensional approach new DSM-V propose severity. More different populations needed further substantiate could formulations substance disorders.