Alcohol dependence Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of alcohol dependence?
A
Physically/psychologically dependent on drinking alcohol
2
Q
How common is alcohol dependence?
A
Common in the UK
3
Q
What is the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence?
A
- ↑ opiate levels = euphoric effects of alcohol
- GABA = sedation
- Alcohol inhibits glutamate receptors
- Long term = synthesis of more glutamate receptors
- Withdrawal leads to brain excitability = cell death and cerebellar degeneration, hallucinations, delirium etc
4
Q
What are the risk factors/aetiology of alcohol dependence?
A
- Family history
- Mental health problem
- ↓ self-esteem
- ↑ stress levels
5
Q
What are the signs/symptoms of alcohol dependence?
A
- Overwhelming desire for alcohol
- Drinking out of control
- A need for increasing amounts of alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms from stopping alcohol
- Having little interest in other leisure activities
- Continuing to drink when the harm being done is made clear
- Drinking alone
- Not eating properly
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Missing work/school because of drinking
6
Q
What investigations are carried out for suspected alcohol dependence?
A
- Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener
- Alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT)
- LFTs - ↑ ɣ-glutamyl transpeptidase
- FBC - ↑ MCV
- Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ)
- Mini mental state examination
7
Q
What are the pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence?
A
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Thiamine
- Beta blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Acamprostae/oral naltrexone – stops relapses
8
Q
What are the non pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence?
A
- Alcoholics anonymous
- Education and advice – via talking, leaflets
- CBT
