1. A 10% recorded incidence for "Rum Fits" in an alcoholic population was determined by review of the charts of 200 consecutive patients admitted to a state mental hospital. This is in essential agreement with other published data, though it is felt that if patients are more closely studied, the incidence is somewhat greater, as seen in the sample for the second part of the study.2. In a preliminary investigation of 16 bio-socio-psychiatric factors, it was found that none of them singly or in combination, significantly differentiated those alcoholic patients who had "Rum Fits" from those who did not. A more controlled research situation was seen to be necessary in order to more closely study the variables of the addictive and withdrawal phases of alcoholism.
Abstract Teaser