Measurement of alcohol consumption: a review of studies and instruments

A number of research and clinical tools developed for measurement of alcoho l consumption are reviewed. Different approaches to the measurements of alc ohol consumption and psychometric properties of numerous screening, diagnos tic and outcome measures and instruments are discussed in the context of re cent studies and their findings. The conclusion of this review is that ther e is no universally applicable alcohol consumption measure, and the choice of the most appropriate instrument should be based on its psychometric prop erties and intended purpose of use, Curr Opin Psychiatry 12:705-709, (C) 19 99 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.