Substance use: Cloninger typology of alcoholism: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Substance use: Cloninger typology of alcoholism

Sample item

A 27-year-old man whose father was alcohol-dependent began drinking in his teens. He has a history of fights and theft, seeks thrills, feels little guilt, and drinks heavily whatever the circumstances. Which typology of alcohol dependence fits best?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cloninger type 2 (male-limited)

Cloninger type 2 alcoholism is male-limited, starts before about 25 years, is strongly heritable, shows novelty seeking and antisocial behaviour, and is severe. Type 1 starts later in either sex, depends on environment, and shows guilt and harm avoidance.

Option by option

  • A. Jellinek's beta alcoholism

    Beta alcoholism refers to physical complications such as cirrhosis without physical or psychological dependence.

  • B. Cloninger type 1 (milieu-limited)

    Type 1 starts later, occurs in both sexes, and is marked by guilt, anxiety and harm avoidance.

  • C. Jellinek's epsilon alcoholism

    Epsilon alcoholism in Jellinek's scheme is periodic binge drinking and has no antisocial profile.

  • D. Cloninger type 2 (male-limited) (correct)

    Correct. Early onset, antisocial traits and paternal alcoholism describe type 2.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Cloninger type 2 (male-limited). Cloninger type 2 alcoholism is male-limited, starts before about 25 years, is strongly heritable, shows novelty seeking and antisocial behaviour, and is severe.

Why is "Jellinek's beta alcoholism" not the answer?

Beta alcoholism refers to physical complications such as cirrhosis without physical or psychological dependence.

Why is "Cloninger type 1 (milieu-limited)" not the answer?

Type 1 starts later, occurs in both sexes, and is marked by guilt, anxiety and harm avoidance.

Why is "Jellinek's epsilon alcoholism" not the answer?

Epsilon alcoholism in Jellinek's scheme is periodic binge drinking and has no antisocial profile.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Substance use: Cloninger typology of alcoholism in Psychiatry. Type 1 starts later in either sex, depends on environment, and shows guilt and harm avoidance.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Substance use: Cloninger typology of alcoholism?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.