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The Psychiatric Diagnosis of Alcoholism: Critique and Proposed Reformulation
Author(s) -
Tarter Ralph E.,
Moss Howard B.,
Arria Amelia,
Mezzich Ada C.,
Vanyukov Michael M.,
Mill John Stuart
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1992.tb00645.x
Subject(s) - categorical variable , nosology , taxonomy (biology) , homogeneous , population , psychology , artificial intelligence , computer science , psychiatry , management science , machine learning , medicine , mathematics , biology , engineering , botany , environmental health , combinatorics
A taxonomy of alcohol problem involvement is proposed which encompasses categorical and dimensional approaches to classification. It is argued that contemporary nosology such as that described in DSM or ICD cannot, in principle, yield discrete categories containing homogeneous membership. Nor does current classification and diagnosis yield sufficient specific information necessary for effective treatment. These limitations are not resolvable by additional empirical research; rather, as discussed herein, a new conceptual framework and focus are required. The proposed new taxonomy comprises the first step in developing a comprehensive and clinically useful method for characterizing the alcohol consuming population.