Alcoholism Flashcards
What do we look for when looking to diagnose alcoholism? (4)
- Acute intoxication
- Harmful Use
- Dependence
- Withdrawal state
What is the withdrawal state?
A Group of symptoms of variable clustering and severity on complete/relative withdrawal of a psychoactive substance - after persistent use of that substance.
What is Othello Syndrome?
Deluded Jealousy
What are the symptoms of dependency? (6)
- Cravings / Compulsions
- Difficulty controlling use
- Primacy (acting like a buffoon)
- Increased tolerance of drug
- Physiological withdrawal on reduction / cessation.
- Disregard for consequences
What symptoms does a patient show when in a state of alcohol withdrawal?(8)
- DELERIUM TREMENS
- Tremor
- Weakness
- N + V
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Confusion / Agitation
- d e a t h
What is thiamine?
Vitamin B12
What is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
Confusion, ataxia, opthalmoplegia and nystagmus caused by thiamine deficiency
What is Korsakoff’s Psychosis?
Impairment of recent and remote memory.
No general cognitive impairments.
Impaired learning
May exhibit nystagmus and ataxia.
Also caused by thiamine deficiency
What are the screening tools for alcoholism used in scotland? (3)
- CAGE (Cut, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye opener)
- AUDIT (Alcohol use Disorders Identification Test)
- FAST (4Qs)
- PAT (Used in A&E)
How do we manage alcoholism? (3)
Practical advice / education.
Holistic Approach
Medication
What medication do we use to treat Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?
Thiamine
How do we manage the symptoms of alcohol widthdrawal?
Benzodiazepines (aka Chlordiazepoxide)
Name an aversion medication for alcoholism.
Antabuse (disulfram)
Name (4) anti-craving medication given to alcoholics?
- Acamprostate
- Naltrexone
- Nalmefene
- Baclofen
