Assessment in police custody of individuals under the influence of alcohol with co-morbid psychiatric disorders

Individuals with a diagnosis of excessive alcohol intake are commonly encountered in police custody. These individuals have a high incidence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) Study reported that 37% of alcoholics have a co-morbid mental disorder.(1)It is, therefore, important that individuals in custody who have a history of excessive alcohol intake are adequately assessed, in order to identify such co-morbid disorders so that appropriate management is implemented. Assessment of all individuals in police custody should include: To date, little has been written on how such assessments should be carried out in police custody. This paper discusses the presentation of psychiatric disorders in individuals with a history of excessive alcohol intake and suggests how they should be assessed in custody. A subsequent issue of the journal will include an article discussing the management of such individuals.