Validity and reliability of the Michigan alcoholism screening test: a review.

This review uses tables to summarize empirical evidence about the validity and reliability of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Twelve studies met standards for inclusion. MAST diagnosis agreed with diagnosis by other criteria for alcoholism in approximately three of four cases. Where inconsistency occurred, MAST tended to over-diagnose. Because reliability was lower for shorter versions, longer versions should be used where practical.