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Topic 4 Case Study
Lauren Sousa
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
PSY- 470: Abnormal Psychology
Instructor: Dr. David Dibari
July 21st, 2024
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Diagnosis
I think Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is the most appropriate diagnosis for Jorge after
reading the case study. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence (2021)
are met by anyone who exhibits one or more of the "abuse" symptoms of a strong desire to use
alcohol, continues to use alcohol even if it causes problems with family or friends, and
experiences withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol's effect wears off or they stop drinking for
at least a year. Jorge displays several signs that are common in individuals with AUD, such as
frequent blackouts, heavy drinking despite conflict in the family, and drinking repeatedly even
when it puts him in danger. Guillermo, Jorge's son, stated in the clinic interview that his father
never seems drunk or to be suffering from a hangover, even after consuming a huge glass of
Jack Daniel's or six packs of beer before bed the night before.
Case History and Symptoms
Jorge is a Latino man of 59 years old who is a commercial pilot on medical leave. Jorge
lives alone at the moment and is only seeking treatment at the clinic because his son is worried
about him banging his head and not remembering how it happened. Jorge and his kid’s reported
varying amounts of alcohol use during this intake session. Guillermo stated that his dad was a
heavy drinker who frequently switched between whiskey and beer. So, Guillermo voiced his
concerns over his father's alcoholism. Jorge's drinking habits seem to be affecting not just his
love life but also his career. Guillermo says that his father never addressed any of the bad effects
of drinking, including arguments with his mother that ultimately resulted in their divorce, as well
as common side effects like hangovers. Jorge may have grown tolerant to alcohol because of the
Topic 4 Case Study
Lauren Sousa
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
PSY- 470: Abnormal Psychology
Instructor: Dr. David Dibari
July 21st, 2024
, 2
Diagnosis
I think Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is the most appropriate diagnosis for Jorge after
reading the case study. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence (2021)
are met by anyone who exhibits one or more of the "abuse" symptoms of a strong desire to use
alcohol, continues to use alcohol even if it causes problems with family or friends, and
experiences withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol's effect wears off or they stop drinking for
at least a year. Jorge displays several signs that are common in individuals with AUD, such as
frequent blackouts, heavy drinking despite conflict in the family, and drinking repeatedly even
when it puts him in danger. Guillermo, Jorge's son, stated in the clinic interview that his father
never seems drunk or to be suffering from a hangover, even after consuming a huge glass of
Jack Daniel's or six packs of beer before bed the night before.
Case History and Symptoms
Jorge is a Latino man of 59 years old who is a commercial pilot on medical leave. Jorge
lives alone at the moment and is only seeking treatment at the clinic because his son is worried
about him banging his head and not remembering how it happened. Jorge and his kid’s reported
varying amounts of alcohol use during this intake session. Guillermo stated that his dad was a
heavy drinker who frequently switched between whiskey and beer. So, Guillermo voiced his
concerns over his father's alcoholism. Jorge's drinking habits seem to be affecting not just his
love life but also his career. Guillermo says that his father never addressed any of the bad effects
of drinking, including arguments with his mother that ultimately resulted in their divorce, as well
as common side effects like hangovers. Jorge may have grown tolerant to alcohol because of the
