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Diagnosis information
Core diagnostic criteria, specifiers, differential considerations, and documentation support in one open, scan-friendly view.
All criteria are shown. No expand controls or hidden sections.
Core criterion A
Cessation or reduction of heavy/prolonged alcohol use
Core criterion B
≥2 within hours to days: autonomic hyperactivity; hand tremor; insomnia; nausea/vomiting; transient hallucinations/illusions; psychomotor agitation; anxiety; generalised tonic-clonic seizures
Core criterion C
Clinically significant distress or impairment
Core criterion D
Not attributable to another medical condition; not better explained by another mental disorder or substance
Consistent with [Alcohol Withdrawal] [specifier(s)]. Following cessation or marked reduction in heavy, prolonged alcohol use, two or more of the following have developed within hours to a few days: autonomic hyperactivity (diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension); increased hand tremor; insomnia; nausea or vomiting; transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions; psychomotor agitation; anxiety; generalised tonic-clonic seizures. The withdrawal syndrome typically begins 6-24 hours after the last drink, peaks at 24-72 hours, and resolves within 5-7 days in uncomplicated cases. Seizures occur in approximately 3-5% (typically 12-48 hours); delirium tremens occurs in 3-5% (48-96 hours) and carries significant mortality if untreated. Severity is assessed with the CIWA-Ar. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment and is not better explained by another medical condition, another substance, or a primary psychiatric disorder. Note: thiamine 100 mg IV or IM must be administered before any glucose-containing fluid to prevent precipitating Wernicke encephalopathy.
Adapt this supplied template to the assessment. It is not a substitute for diagnostic reasoning or local documentation requirements.