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Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access originally published online on February 7, 2008
Alcohol and Alcoholism 2008 43(3):326-333; doi:10.1093/alcalc/agm165
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© The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol. All rights reserved

The latent structure of alcohol use disorders: A taxometric analysis of structured interview data obtained from male federal prison inmates

Glenn D. Walters

Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed at: Psychology Services, Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill P.O. Box 700, Minersville, PA 17954-0700. Tel.: +1-(570) 544-7156; Fax: +1-(570) 544-7188; E-mail: gwalters{at}bop.gov

Received 8 August 2007; first review notified 27 September 2007; in revised form 17 October 2007; accepted 19 October 2007


  Abstract

Aims: Archival data from structured interviews of 1193 male prison inmates were subjected to taxometric analysis to determine the latent structure of the alcohol use disorder construct. Methods: Analyses were performed using three taxometric procedures: mean above minus below a cut (MAMBAC), maximum eigenvalue (MAXEIG), and latent mode factor analysis (L-Mode). Results: The outcomes were based on three indicators: (1) DSM-IV alcohol dependence criteria 1 and 2 (tolerance/withdrawal), (2) DSM-IV alcohol dependence criteria 3, 4, and 5 and DSM-IV alcohol abuse criterion 3 (loss of control), and (3) DSM-IV alcohol dependence criteria 6 and 7 and DSM-IV alcohol abuse criteria 1, 2, and 4 (negative social/psychological consequences). The outcomes revealed consistent support for a taxonic (categorical) interpretation of alcohol use disorders. Conclusions: There may be a taxonic boundary separating those who do and do not qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence or abuse with important implications for diagnosis and treatment.

The assertions and opinions contained in the present paper are the private views of the author and should not be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the United States Department of Justice.


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