Reference no: EM133690255

Question 

A 20-year-old roofer is brought to the emergency department by the police. He is under arrest after having been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. They had both been drinking and then had an argument during which he punched her several times. Police were called. When the police arrived he was intoxicated, slurring, and incoherent. Once sober, he reports he has previously suffered from moderate depressive episodes and stopped his anti-depressant medication over a year ago. There is no other past medical or psychiatric history of note. He describes himself as a 'social drinker' due to his job. On direct questioning he admits to a gradual increase in his alcohol intake over the last couple of years. He is now drinking every day and typically consumes in excess of 2L of whiskey per day. Sometimes he drinks as soon as he awakes for an "eye opener". He also admits to using 1 bag of cocaine per week, sometimes more.

1. What is your diagnosis for the patient?

2. What symptoms does this patient present to meet criteria for the diagnosis?

3. What medication will you order?

4. What are adverse reactions to consider with the medication chosen?