Low identification of alcohol use disorders in general practice in England

ABSTRACT Aims The prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the United Kingdom is estimated at 25%, and primary care has been identified as the first line of treatment for this population. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the current rates of identification of AUDs in primary care. The aim of the present study was to compare the observed rates of AUDs in general practice with expected rates, which are based on general population prevalence rates of AUDs. Design, participants and measurements Epidemiological data on individuals aged 16–64 years with an AUD was obtained from the General Practice Research Database. General population prevalence rates of AUDs were obtained from the Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. χ2 tests and identification ratios were used to analyse the data. Results There was a significant relationship between type of AUD and identification (χ2 = 1466.89, P