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Alcohol Abuse Symptoms and DSM-IV Diagnosis
Alcohol Abuse
Symptoms and Diagnosis Overview:
 Alcohol abuse
symptoms and diagnostic criteria follow below. While some of these alcohol abuse
symptoms may be recognized by family, teachers, legal and medical professionals,
and others, only properly trained mental health professionals
(psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors etc.) can or should even
attempt to make a mental health diagnosis. Many additional factors are
considered in addition to the alcohol abuse symptoms in making proper diagnosis,
including frequently medical and psychological testing considerations. This
information on alcohol abuse symptoms and diagnostic criteria are for
information purposes only and should never replace the judgment and
comprehensive assessment of a trained mental health clinician.
Criteria
for 305. 00 Alcohol Abuse
You should also refer to the criteria for
Substance
Abuse.
School and job performance may suffer either from the aftereffects of drinking
or from actual intoxication or at school; childcare or household
responsibilities may be neglected and alcohol-related absences may occur from
school for job. The person may use alcohol in physically hazardous circumstances
(e.g., driving an automobile or operating machinery while drunk). Legal
difficulties may arise because of alcohol use (e.g., arrests for intoxicated
behavior or for driving under the influence). Finally, individuals with alcohol
abuse may continue to consume alcohol despite the knowledge that continued
consumption poses significant social or interpersonal problems for them (e.g.,
arguments with spouse while intoxicated, child abuse). When these problems are
accompanied by evidence of tolerance, withdrawal, or compulsive behavior related
to alcohol use, a diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence, rather than alcohol abuse
should be considered.
Information
from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV
Additional
Information and webpage by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
See additional Diagnosis and
Treatment Codes Above Right Hand Corner
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