alcohol diagnosis and treatment Flashcards
low does alcohol effects?
euphoria, reduced anxiety, relaxation, sociability
high dose alcohol effects?
Higher doses – intoxication (the pathological state produced by a drug, serum, alcohol, or any toxic substance; poisoning)
impaired attention and judgement, unsteadiness, flushing, nystagmus, mood instability, disinhibition, slurring, stupor, unconsciousness
how to diagnose harmful use of alcohol
pattern of use causing damage to physical or mental health. Use >1 month or repeatedly over 12 months
how to diagnose dependence of alcohol use?
– 3 or more of the following for >1month or repeatedly over 12 months:
Cravings/compulsions to take Difficulty controlling use Primacy Increased tolerance Physiological withdrawal on reduction/cessation Persistence despite harmful consequences
what is withdrawal state?
Group of symptoms of variable clustering and severity on complete/relative withdrawal of a psychoactive substance, after persistent use of that substance
symptoms of alcohol withdrawal state?
Tremor, weakness, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, seizures, confusion, agitation, death
delirium tremens
what is delirium tremens?
Profound confusion, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, sleeplessness, autonomic over-activity
Mortality in DTs = 5%
Death: cardiovascular collapse, infection, hyperthermia, seizures or self injury
Usually 48-72 hours after alcohol stopped
mental health affects of alcohol?
Anxiety Depression Sleep disruption Morbid Jealousy Alcoholic hallucinosis Deliberate self-injury Suicidal thoughts/acts
what 2 conditions can alcohol cause?
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
Korsakoff’s Psychosis
what is wernicke’s encephalopathy from?
thiamine deficiency!!!
what is Korsakoff’s Psychosis from?
thiamine deficiency!!
what is wenicke’s encepapothy symptoms?
Confusion
ataxia
opthalmoplegia
nystagmus
alcoholl effects on relationship?
-Aggression
Verbal
Physical
-Marital difficulties
Morbid jealousy
- Poor parenting/neglect +/- loss of parenting rights
- Loss of friendships and social supports
What is the main screening tool used for alcohol misuse?
CAGE (2 or more = likely alcohol problem)
Have you tried to Cut down? C
Have you felt Annoyed by people criticising your drinking? A
Have you felt Guilty about drinking? G
Have you felt the need to have an Eye-opener? E
other screening tools which you can use for alcohol misuse?
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test)
FAST (4 questions)
PAT (Paddington Alcohol Test; used in A&Es)
