Maximizing Scarce Service Resources in a Rural Mental Health Clinic: Should Alcoholics Be Treated in Separate Programs?

Abstract

One hundred nineteen patients at rural community mental health centers were divided into three diagnostic groups and compared to determine if alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients differ significantly in terms of psychopathology. The three diagnostic groups were (1) primary diagnosis of alcoholism (N = 34), (2) primary diagnosis of emotional disturbance (N = 39), and (3) “other” diagnoses (N = 46). These groups were compared with respect to demographic variables, alcohol drinking patterns, psychopathology, and attitude toward treatment. The alcoholic patient group tended to be single, male, and inpatients; while the nonalcoholic group tended to be married, female, and outpatients. These groups differed significantly with respect to alcohol consumption and drinking patterns and effects, but did not differ significantly with respect to their attitudes toward mental illness or their MMPI profiles. The results of the “other” diagnostic group generally fell between those of the alcoholic and nonalcoholic groups, suggesting that it was a heterogeneous group of subjects. The total subject population evidenced elevated MMPI profiles, indicating the presence of a high level of psychopathology, but there was no clear distinction between the alcoholics and the other groups in terms of type or degree of psychopathology. Implications for treatment are discussed.