Briefly describe the diagnosis, assessment and aetiology of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Your answer must incorporate both the DSM-IV-TR and bio-psycho-social perspectives

The first 200 words of this essay...

Abnormal Psychology examination question year 3 04293408

Briefly describe the diagnosis, assessment and aetiology of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Your answer must incorporate both the DSM-IV-TR and bio-psycho-social perspectives

This assignment discusses the subject of alcohol and dependence. It begins by briefly defining alcohol, illustrating the severity of addiction and linked health problems as identified within the United Kingdom (UK). This is followed by a discussion surrounding the diagnosis, assessment and finally the aetiology of alcohol abuse and dependence. The assignment includes both the DSM-IV-TR and bio-psycho-social perspectives. The conclusion restates the main points considered.

Alcohol, known as ethanol alcohol, is a colourless liquid that acts as a central nervous system depressant and sedative. It is usually in the form of beer, wine or spirits, is a legal substance, drunk by mouth and it cannot legally be sold to people under the age of 18 (Lynksey, Fergusson and Horwood 1994).

Alcohol abuse, as defined by Bennett (2005) using the DSM-IV-TR (APA 2000) involves;

"a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress" (p. 356).

Alcohol abuse or dependence is defined as when its consumption poses a considerable risk