Candace Ramkhelawan

Psychiatry OSCE Alcohol

Introduce yourself adequately

Demographics

1) When did you 1st start drinking alcohol?

2) Who introduced you to alcohol?

3) How much did you start off drinking?

4) How much do you drink now?

5) Would you say you tolerate more now than when you 1st started?

6) CAGE Felt the need to Cut down? Ask about withdrawal signs*** (when the person doesnt drink
alcohol )

- Do you feel Annoyed or Angry when persons criticize your drinking? Does you drinking cause
family quarrels?

- Do you feel Guilty about your drinking?

- Need for an Eye-opener 1st thing in the morning?

7) Ask about other drugs specifically nicotine, cocaine, marijuana

PMH- Any disease related to substance abuse, any mental illnesses, as well as general medical conditions

PSH- Do you have any children? Do you find that you spend more time drinking alcohol than spending
with your children? Do your children ever complain about you spending more time drinking than with
them?

Have you ever gotten into trouble with the law while drinking eg driving, fights

***Withdrawal Signs Autonomic hyperactivity, hand tremors, insomnia, nausea/vomiting,

hallucinations, seizures

Know the difference between Dependence and Abuse

Dependence Withdrawal Symptoms, Increased tolerance

Abuse No Withdrawal Symptoms or Increased tolerance