OBJECTIVE: To test the applicability of this typology and to characterize the identified subtypes. METHODS: Characteristics of 300 alcoholic men attending an out-treatment program were submitted to cluster analysis for identification of two subgroups (clusters), according to the original classification. Cross-tabulations were then performed to test for possible association of identified clusters to demographic and clinical features. Statistical significance was given by Pearson chi-square tests. RESULTS: Compared to the other group, one of the identified clusters was characterized by a more severe clinical profile. Patients of the mild subtype were principally (65,3%) referred to symbolic treatments while patients of the severe subtype were mainly assisted (58,5%) exclusively through a pharmacological approach and remained in treatment for longer periods of time. CONCLUSIONS: As the results identified subtypes of alcoholics with differential features, this study brought forth the clinical applicability of Babor et al. typology in our social-cultural context¹. Results also point to the relevance of typological studies that may contribute to a more adequate understanding of etiological, preventive and therapeutic aspects of alcoholism.
Alcoholism; typology; cluster analysis; psychiatry
