Diagnosis Of Alcoholism
You will probably begin by seeing your doctor. If your doctor suspects that you have an alcohol abuse problem, he or she is likely to:
Take medical history – The doctor will ask you some questions about your drinking habits. He can request permission to speak to friends and family members.
Perform a physical exam – Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your condition and general health. Many physical signs indicate complications of alcohol use.
Lab and imaging tests – While there are no definitive tests to diagnose the alcohol abuse disorder, specific patterns of abnormalities in the lab test may strongly suggest it. An alcoholic person may need lab and imaging tests to identify health problems and complications that may be linked to excess alcohol consumption.
Complete a psychological evaluation – This assessment includes questions about your signs and symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behavior. To answer these questions, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire.