Substance use: Jellinek species 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: Jellinek species of alcoholism

Sample item

A man in a wine-growing region drinks steadily every day. He has never lost control once he starts, and he can limit a session. He suffers withdrawal if he abstains and finds it impossible to stay dry. Which species of alcoholism in Jellinek's classification is this?

AGammaBDeltaCAlphaDEpsilon

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Delta

Delta alcoholism shows tolerance and withdrawal with inability to abstain but without loss of control over how much is drunk on a given occasion, and it is described in wine-drinking countries. Gamma alcoholism has loss of control and progression, and is typical of Anglo-Saxon countries.

Option by option

A. Gamma
Gamma shows loss of control with progressive course, which this man does not have.
B. Delta (correct)
Correct. Inability to abstain with preserved control over quantity is delta.
C. Alpha
Alpha is psychological dependence to relieve distress, without loss of control or withdrawal.
D. Epsilon
Epsilon is periodic or binge drinking with long dry spells, not steady daily intake.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Delta. Delta alcoholism shows tolerance and withdrawal with inability to abstain but without loss of control over how much is drunk on a given occasion, and it is described in wine-drinking countries.

Why is "Gamma" not the answer?

Gamma shows loss of control with progressive course, which this man does not have.

Why is "Alpha" not the answer?

Alpha is psychological dependence to relieve distress, without loss of control or withdrawal.

Why is "Epsilon" not the answer?

Epsilon is periodic or binge drinking with long dry spells, not steady daily intake.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Substance use: Jellinek species of alcoholism in Psychiatry. Gamma alcoholism has loss of control and progression, and is typical of Anglo-Saxon countries.

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: Jellinek species 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.