Estudo das características psicométricas do Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) numa popula？？o clínica de dependentes do álcool

the alcoholism in its biopsychosocial complexity, is considered a multidimensional and polymorph problem in terms of pathological expression. the application of instruments as mast, permits the early diagnosis of excessive and dependent drinkers and allows the characterization of alcohol related problems when used under the structure of empirical classification. the study aim to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of mast (items and factorization study) in a clinical population of 202 alcohol dependents, observed in the alcoholism unit of the psychiatric service of santa maria′s general hospital. the results validate the utility of a unitary score system, as an equitable method as the regular and identify the following factorial solution: (1) familiar and work problems; (2) alcohol problems; (3) problem recognition of alcohol intake; (4) help-seeking; (5) hospitalization;(6) legal problems and (7) alcohol withdrawal syndrome. the factorial mast, provides us with an assessment of deterioration areas of the individual, that when quantified and systematized, configure an instrument for early detection of pathological use of alcohol and an anamnestic empirical classification of the alcohol related problems heterogeneity.