The effectiveness of biologic markers to diagnose alcoholism

This study explored the effectiveness of biologic markers in alcoholism where correct diagnosis does not result from relatively simple inspection. After review of the use of individual biologic markers and their limitations, data is presented from a multivariate analysis of 351 young healthy male alcoholics and 339 nonalcoholic male patients in which an overall accuracy rate of 84.3% was obtained. A discussion of what biologic markers may be measuring, issues in sample selection, statistical issues and problems with laboratory variability in the use of biologic markers is presented.