Screening and Diagnosis of “Alcohol Abuse and Dependence” in Older Adults

Abstract

A literature review reveals that research is warranted to improve screening for “alcohol abuse” in older adults and women. An examination of diagnostic criteria for “alcohol abuse dependence” reveals that older adults provide unique challenges to classification systems. There is a need to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of several new screening instruments for the identification of “alcohol abuse” in the elderly. Routine screening of elderly and women presenting in primary care settings should be a priority for researchers and clini cians.

Key Words:

• “Alcohol abuse”
• “dependence”
• Elderly alcoholic
• Women
• Screening for “alcohol abuse”
• “dependence”
• Sensitivity
• Specificity