The detection of alcohol use in psychiatric casualty patients

This study assessed the extent of alcohol use among casualty attenders at a metropolitan psychiatric hospital. Seventeen of 97 patients showed measurable alcohol levels at the time of presentation. Patients with functional psychoses used alcohol excessively, but the heaviest and most frequent use was among women, especially those with personality disorders. It is suggested that routine alcohol testing is worthwhile and inexpensive, and it may lead to earlier detection and treatment of alcohol abuse.