Contents
1. Overview and Definition of Alcohol Related Disorders 4
1.1 Overview 4
1.2 Types of Alcohol Related Disorders 4
1.3 Quantifying Alcohol Intake 5
1.4 Diagnostic Classification 6

2. Epidemiology 9
2.1 Prevalence 9
2.2 Age and Gender Patterns 10

3. Aetiology 11

4. Diagnosis 12
4.1 Overview 12
4.2 Clinical Features of Alcohol Related Disorders 12
4.3 Alcohol Induced Mood and Anxiety Disorders 14
4.4 Social Complications of Excess Alcohol Consumption 15
4.5 Diagnosis 15
4.6 Clinical Assessment of Alcohol Use 16
4.7 Clinical Signs of Alcohol Excess and Liver Damage 17
4.8 Investigations 18

5. Differential Diagnosis 20
5.1 Differential Diagnosis 20
5.2 Co-Morbidities 20

6. Treatment 21
6.1 Pharmacotherapies and Medical Assistance for Withdrawal 21
6.2 Psycho-Social Interventions 22
6.3 Controlled Drinking 23
6.4 Peer Support 23
6.5 Self Help Activities 24

7. Prognosis 25
7.1 Overview 25
7.2 Complications 25
7.3 Summary 26

8. Information Gathering at the In Person Assessment 27
8.1 Assessing the Claimant 27
8.2 Informal Observation 28
8.3 Physical Assessment 28
8.4 Psychological Assessment 28
8.5 Assessment of Alcohol Use 29
8.6 How to Assess Prognosis 29
8.7 Profound Disability 30

9. Analysis of Effect on Functional Ability 31
9.1 Indicators of Ability/Disability 31
9.2 Ability/Disability Profile 33

10. Summary of Scheme Criteria 34

11. Reference List 35