Alcohol misuse: Difference between revisions
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Kingrajinix (talk | contribs) (New page: ===Definition=== Alcohol misuse, abuse or alcoholism are catch-all terms for use alcohol of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcohol ''dependence'' is specifically defined as physica...) |
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===Clinical Features=== | ===Clinical Features=== | ||
====Alcohol Dependence Syndrome==== | |||
====Withdrawal===== | |||
Uncomplicated withdrawal: | |||
*Shakes | |||
*Sweating | |||
*Nausea/Vomiting | |||
*Mood disturbance | |||
*Hyperacusis | |||
*Autonomic symptoms | |||
*Agitation | |||
====Delirium==== | |||
*Perceptual Disturbances | |||
**8-12 hours after cessation | |||
**Illusions or Hallucinations | |||
*Seizures | |||
**Up to 2 days after cessation | |||
**Generalised tonic-clonic | |||
**5-15% of dependant drinkers | |||
**Predisposed in: previous history, epiplepsy, low potassium/magnesium | |||
===Investigations=== | ===Investigations=== | ||
Revision as of 10:44, 13 May 2008
Definition
Alcohol misuse, abuse or alcoholism are catch-all terms for use alcohol of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcohol dependence is specifically defined as physical dependence on alcohol.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of alcohol dependence is 5% in England and Wales (8% men, 2% women). As of 2001, 27% of men and 15% of women over 16 drunk more than their weekly recommended allowance. The same is true for 39% of men's and 22% of women's daily allowance.
Pathophysiology
There are a variety of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors which contribute to alcohol misuse.
Risk Factors
- High-Risk Occupations:
- Publicans
- Doctors
- Journalists
- Shipping And Travel Industries
- Unskilled Worker
- Unemployed
- Lower Social Class
Clinical Features
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Withdrawal=
Uncomplicated withdrawal:
- Shakes
- Sweating
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Mood disturbance
- Hyperacusis
- Autonomic symptoms
- Agitation
Delirium
- Perceptual Disturbances
- 8-12 hours after cessation
- Illusions or Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Up to 2 days after cessation
- Generalised tonic-clonic
- 5-15% of dependant drinkers
- Predisposed in: previous history, epiplepsy, low potassium/magnesium