The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test: The Quest for a New Diagnostic Instrument

¹ Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48104, and Research Psychiatrist, Highway Safety Research Institute, University of Michigan

The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), devised to provide a consistent, quantifiable, structured interview instrument to detect alcoholism, consists of 25 questions that can be rapidly administered. Five groups were given the MAST: hospitalized alcoholics, a control group, persons convicted of drunk driving, persons convicted of drunk and disorderly behavior, and drivers whose licenses were under review. The validity of the MAST was assessed by searching the records of legal, social, and medical agencies and reviewing the subjects' driving and criminal records. The MAST responses of 15 subjects who were found to be alcoholic in the record search were analyzed to determine where the screening failures had occurred. Recommendations are made for reducing the number of such "fals negatives."

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. E. Ullman, L. L. Starzynski, S. M. Long, G. E. Mason, and L. M. Long Exploring the Relationships of Women's Sexual Assault Disclosure, Social Reactions, and Problem Drinking J Interpers Violence, September 1, 2008; 23(9): 1235 - 1257. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Repper-DeLisi, T. A. Stern, M. Mitchell, M. Lussier-Cushing, B. Lakatos, G. L. Fricchione, J. Quinlan, M. Kane, R. Berube, M. Blais, et al. Successful Implementation of an Alcohol-Withdrawal Pathway in a General Hospital Psychosomatics, July 1, 2008; 49(4): 292 - 299. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Abracen, J. Looman, and C. M. Langton Treatment of Sexual Offenders With Psychopathic Traits: Recent Research Developments and Clinical Implications Trauma Violence Abuse, July 1, 2008; 9(3): 144 - 166. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. S. Miller, A. L. Shields, D. Campfield, K. A. Wallace, and R. D. Weiss Substance Use Scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory: An Exploration of Score Reliability Via Meta-Analysis Educational and Psychological Measurement, December 1, 2007; 67(6): 1052 - 1065. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. M. Maki, M. Ernst, E. D. London, K. L. Mordecai, P. Perschler, S. C. Durso, J. Brandt, A. Dobs, and S. M. Resnick Intramuscular Testosterone Treatment in Elderly Men: Evidence of Memory Decline and Altered Brain Function J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2007; 92(11): 4107 - 4114. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Busch and A. D. Redlich Patients' Perception of Possible Child Custody or Visitation Loss for Nonadherence to Psychiatric Treatment Psychiatr Serv, July 1, 2007; 58(7): 999 - 1002. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				O. Poutanen, A.-M. Koivisto, M. Joukamaa, A. Mattila, and R. K. R. Salokangas The Depression Scale as a screening instrument for a subsequent depressive episode in primary healthcare patients The British Journal of Psychiatry, July 1, 2007; 191(1): 50 - 54. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. W. Swanson, M. S. Swartz, E. B. Elbogen, R. A. Van Dorn, J. Ferron, H. R. Wagner, B. J. McCauley, and M. Kim Facilitated Psychiatric Advance Directives: A Randomized Trial of an Intervention to Foster Advance Treatment Planning Among Persons with Severe Mental Illness Am J Psychiatry, November 1, 2006; 163(11): 1943 - 1951. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. E. Back, A. E. Waldrop, K. T. Brady, and D. Hien Evidenced-Based Time-Limited Treatment of Co-occurring Substance-Use Disorders and Civilian-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Brief. Treat. Crisis Interven., November 1, 2006; 6(4): 283 - 294. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Firestone, D. A. Kingston, A. Wexler, and J. M. Bradford Long-Term Follow-up of Exhibitionists: Psychological, Phallometric, and Offense Characteristics J Am Acad Psychiatry Law, September 1, 2006; 34(3): 349 - 359. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Panuzio, T. J. O'Farrell, A. D. Marshall, C. M. Murphy, M. Murphy, and C. T. Taft Intimate Partner Aggression Reporting Concordance and Correlates of Agreement Among Men With Alcohol use Disorders and Their Female Partners. Assessment, September 1, 2006; 13(3): 266 - 279. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. OZSOY, E. ESEL, H. B. IZGI, and S. SOFUOGLU THYROID FUNCTION IN EARLY AND LATE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL: RELATIONSHIP WITH AGGRESSION, FAMILY HISTORY, AND ONSET AGE OF ALCOHOLISM Alcohol Alcohol., September 1, 2006; 41(5): 515 - 521. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. Langevin Acceptance and completion of treatment among sex offenders. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol, August 1, 2006; 50(4): 402 - 417. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. Durant, J. Mercy, M.-j. Kresnow, T. Simon, L. Potter, and W. R. Hammond Racial Differences in Hopelessness as a Risk Factor for a Nearly Lethal Suicide Attempt Journal of Black Psychology, August 1, 2006; 32(3): 285 - 302. [Abstract] [PDF]

				G. D. Walters Risk-Appraisal Versus Self-Report in the Prediction of Criminal Justice Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis Criminal Justice and Behavior, June 1, 2006; 33(3): 279 - 304. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. H. Stewart, C. G. Brown, K. Devoulyte, J. Theakston, and S. E. Larsen Why Do Women with Alcohol Problems Binge Eat?: Exploring Connections between Binge Eating and Heavy Drinking in Women Receiving Treatment for Alcohol Problems. J Health Psychol, May 1, 2006; 11(3): 409 - 425. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. V. Gurvits, L. J. Metzger, N. B. Lasko, P. A. Cannistraro, A. S. Tarhan, M. W. Gilbertson, S. P. Orr, A. M. Charbonneau, M. M. Wedig, and R. K. Pitman Subtle Neurologic Compromise as a Vulnerability Factor for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Results of a Twin Study. Arch Gen Psychiatry, May 1, 2006; 63(5): 571 - 576. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A.H. Conason, A. Brunstein Klomek, and L. Sher Recognizing alcohol and drug abuse in patients with eating disorders QJM, May 1, 2006; 99(5): 335 - 339. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. H. Woodward, D. G. Kaloupek, C. C. Streeter, M. O. Kimble, A. L. Reiss, S. Eliez, L. L. Wald, P. F. Renshaw, B. B. Frederick, B. Lane, et al. Hippocampal Volume, PTSD, and Alcoholism in Combat Veterans Am J Psychiatry, April 1, 2006; 163(4): 674 - 681. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. S. Swartz, J. W. Swanson, M. Kim, and J. Petrila Use of Outpatient Commitment or Related Civil Court Treatment Orders in Five U.S. Communities Psychiatr Serv, March 1, 2006; 57(3): 343 - 349. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. M. N. CARDOSO, A. BARBOSA, F. ISMAIL, and S. POMBO NETER ALCOHOLIC TYPOLOGY (NAT) Alcohol Alcohol., March 1, 2006; 41(2): 133 - 139. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Westermeyer, J. Canive, J. Garrard, P. Thuras, and J. Thompson Lifetime Prevalence of Pathological Gambling Among American Indian and Hispanic American Veterans Am J Public Health, May 1, 2005; 95(5): 860 - 866. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J. EMMEN, G. M. SCHIPPERS, H. WOLLERSHEIM, and G. BLEIJENBERG ADDING PSYCHOLOGIST'S INTERVENTION TO PHYSICIANS' ADVICE TO PROBLEM DRINKERS IN THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC Alcohol Alcohol., May 1, 2005; 40(3): 219 - 226. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Beblo, K. D. Stark, M. Murthy, J. Janisse, H. Rockett, J. E. Whitty, M. Buda-Abela, S. S. Martier, R. J. Sokol, J. H. Hannigan, et al. Effects of Alcohol Intake During Pregnancy on Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid in Umbilical Cord Vessels of Black Women Pediatrics, February 1, 2005; 115(2): e194 - e203. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Monahan, A. D. Redlich, J. Swanson, P. C. Robbins, P. S. Appelbaum, J. Petrila, H. J. Steadman, M. Swartz, B. Angell, and D. E. McNiel Use of Leverage to Improve Adherence to Psychiatric Treatment in the Community Psychiatr Serv, January 1, 2005; 56(1): 37 - 44. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. W. Stoops, P. E.A. Glaser, M. T. Fillmore, and C. R. Rush Reinforcing, subject-rated, performance and physiological effects of methylphenidate and d-amphetamine in stimulant abusing humans J Psychopharmacol, December 1, 2004; 18(4): 534 - 543. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. A. Schuckit and V. Hesselbrock Alcohol Dependence and Anxiety Disorders: What Is the Relationship? Focus, July 1, 2004; 2(3): 440 - 453. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. H. Trivedi, A. J. Rush, M. L. Crismon, T. M. Kashner, M. G. Toprac, T. J. Carmody, T. Key, M. M. Biggs, K. Shores-Wilson, B. Witte, et al. Clinical Results for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder in the Texas Medication Algorithm Project Arch Gen Psychiatry, July 1, 2004; 61(7): 669 - 680. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Looman, J. Abracen, R. DiFazio, and G. Maillet Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Sexual and Nonsexual Offenders: Relationship to Intimacy Deficits and Coping Strategy Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, June 1, 2004; 16(3): 177 - 189. [Abstract] [PDF]

				H. Koch, G.-J. Meerkerk, J. O. M. Zaat, M. F. Ham, R. J. P. M. Scholten, and W. J. J. Assendelft ACCURACY OF CARBOHYDRATE-DEFICIENT TRANSFERRIN IN THE DETECTION OF EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Alcohol Alcohol., March 1, 2004; 39(2): 75 - 85. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Scheurich, M. J. Muller, A. Szegedi, I. Anghelescu, C. Klawe, B. Lorch, B. Kappis, H.-G. Bialonski, S. Haas, and M. Hautzinger NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS OF ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT PATIENTS: INCREASED PERFORMANCE THROUGH GOAL-SETTING INSTRUCTIONS Alcohol Alcohol., March 1, 2004; 39(2): 119 - 125. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. L. Merrill, J. L. Crouch, C. J. Thomsen, and J. M. Guimond Risk for Intimate Partner Violence and Child Physical Abuse: Psychosocial Characteristics of Multirisk Male and Female Navy Recruits Child Maltreat, February 1, 2004; 9(1): 18 - 29. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. J. P. Eriksson, B. von der Pahlen, T. Sarkola, and K. Seppa OESTRADIOL AND HUMAN MALE ALCOHOL-RELATED AGGRESSION Alcohol Alcohol., November 1, 2003; 38(6): 589 - 596. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. T. Higgins, S. C. Sigmon, C. J. Wong, S. H. Heil, G. J. Badger, R. Donham, R. L. Dantona, and S. Anthony Community Reinforcement Therapy for Cocaine-Dependent Outpatients Arch Gen Psychiatry, October 1, 2003; 60(10): 1043 - 1052. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. Siegel and L. M. Williams Risk Factors for Sexual Victimization of Women: Results from a Prospective Study Violence Against Women, August 1, 2003; 9(8): 902 - 930. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. Langevin A Study of the Psychosexual Characteristics of Sex Killers: Can we Identify them Before it is Too Late? Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol, August 1, 2003; 47(4): 366 - 382. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. Michaelsson, H. Lithell, B. Vessby, and H. Melhus Serum Retinol Levels and the Risk of Fracture N. Engl. J. Med., January 23, 2003; 348(4): 287 - 294. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. S. Sommers, C. Savage, J. Wray, and J. M. Dyehouse Laboratory Measures of Alcohol (Ethanol) Consumption: Strategies to Assess Drinking Patterns with Biochemical Measures Biol Res Nurs, January 1, 2003; 4(3): 203 - 217. [Abstract] [PDF]

				B. Demir, G. Ucar, B. Ulug, S. Ulusoy, I. Sevinc, and S. Batur PLATELET MONOAMINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY IN ALCOHOLISM SUBTYPES: RELATIONSHIP TO PERSONALITY TRAITS AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS Alcohol Alcohol., November 1, 2002; 37(6): 597 - 602. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Kagan-Krieger, P. Selby, S. Vohra, and G. Koren PATERNAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE AND TURNER SYNDROME Alcohol Alcohol., November 1, 2002; 37(6): 613 - 617. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. L. Brody, A.-C. Roch-Levecq, A. C. Gamst, K. Maclean, R. M. Kaplan, and S. I. Brown Self-management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial Arch Ophthalmol, November 1, 2002; 120(11): 1477 - 1483. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. A. Ruiz, K. A. Dickinson, and A. L. Pincus Concurrent Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory Alcohol Problems (ALC) Scale in a College Student Sample Assessment, September 1, 2002; 9(3): 261 - 270. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. J. White, E. W. Gondolf, D. U. Robertson, B. J. Goodwin, and L. E. Caraveo Extent and Characteristics of Woman Batterers among Federal Inmates Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol, August 1, 2002; 46(4): 412 - 426. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. M. Valente Social Phobia Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, June 1, 2002; 8(3): 61 - 75. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. C. Morey and B. D. Quigley The Use of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) in Assessing Offenders Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol, June 1, 2002; 46(3): 333 - 349. [Abstract] [PDF]

				H. Bergman and H. Kallmen ALCOHOL USE AMONG SWEDES AND A PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS IDENTIFICATION TEST Alcohol Alcohol., May 1, 2002; 37(3): 245 - 251. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H.-J. Rumpf, U. Hapke, C. Meyer, and U. John SCREENING FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS AND AT-RISK DRINKING IN THE GENERAL POPULATION: PSYCHOMETRIC PERFORMANCE OF THREE QUESTIONNAIRES Alcohol Alcohol., May 1, 2002; 37(3): 261 - 268. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. Roca and T. W. Freeman Psychosensory Symptoms in Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci, May 1, 2002; 14(2): 185 - 189. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. W. Jacobson, L. M. Chiodo, R. J. Sokol, and J. L. Jacobson Validity of Maternal Report of Prenatal Alcohol, Cocaine, and Smoking in Relation to Neurobehavioral Outcome Pediatrics, May 1, 2002; 109(5): 815 - 825. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Frias, J. M. Torres, M. T. Miranda, E. Ruiz, and E. Ortega EFFECTS OF ACUTE ALCOHOL INTOXICATION ON PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS HORMONES, PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS HORMONES, {beta}-ENDORPHIN AND PROLACTIN IN HUMAN ADULTS OF BOTH SEXES Alcohol Alcohol., March 1, 2002; 37(2): 169 - 173. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Marinkovic, E. Halgren, and I. Maltzman AROUSAL-RELATED P3a TO NOVEL AUDITORY STIMULI IS ABOLISHED BY A MODERATELY LOW ALCOHOL DOSE Alcohol Alcohol., November 1, 2001; 36(6): 529 - 539. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. E. DALY, T. G. POWER, and E. W. GONDOLF Predictors of Batterer Program Attendance J Interpers Violence, October 1, 2001; 16(10): 971 - 991. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. W. WHITE, L. L. MERRILL, and M. P. KOSS Predictors of Premilitary Courtship Violence in a Navy Recruit Sample J Interpers Violence, September 1, 2001; 16(9): 910 - 927. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Gual and Ph. Lehert ACAMPROSATE DURING AND AFTER ACUTE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL: A DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY IN SPAIN Alcohol Alcohol., September 1, 2001; 36(5): 413 - 418. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. A. GERLOCK Relationship Mutuality: Why Is It Important in Batterers' Rehabilitation? J Interpers Violence, August 1, 2001; 16(8): 768 - 783. [Abstract] [PDF]