Case Study: Evaluating Drug Abuse Using DSM-5 Criteria

This case study examines the application of the DSM-5 in diagnosing drug abuse. It outlines the diagnostic process, including the assessment of behavioral changes, such as alterations in facial expressions, behavior, eye movements, and speech patterns. The case study emphasizes the importance of conducting blood and urine tests. Additionally, the study highlights the role of observing the client's behaviors over time and the context of their social interactions. The study also provides a set of questions to be asked to the patient, and stresses the importance of these questions to accurately diagnose the condition. The provided references support the discussion by providing insights into the epidemiology of drug use disorders, modern diagnostic methods, and the psychological aspects of addiction. This case study is designed to aid in understanding the comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating drug abuse and substance use disorders.

Running head: CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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DSM 5.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, otherwise known
as, DSM 5, provides a brief idea of the latest version of diagnosing and treating the drug abusers,
developed by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM 5 has recognized the following
substance related disorders among the drug abusers. These are patterns of changes in the
behavior, induced psychotic disorders, induced bipolar disorders, and induced depressive
disorders, anxiety and sleep disorders, induced delirium, sexual dysfunctions, and neurocognitive
disorders (Grant et al., 2016).
The diagnosis of the drug abusing behavior are diagnosed by a thorough evaluation of the
client and it often includes the assessment of the blood or urine in a lab test. There are certain
other blood test that are proposed by the psychotherapists, however these are not core diagnostic
behaviors. Along with these the mental health of the clients are evaluated. They are monitored
over weeks and their behavioral patterns are observed and assessed. Monitoring is the prime
aspect of diagnosis of the clients (Salakhova et al., 2018). Also, the group behaviors of the
clients are also observed.
Differential Diagnosis Process.
Now, considering the case study, the diagnosis process that can be included for the case
study of Becky is that, the changes in the behavior of Becky must be considered. The changes in
her face and the changes in her behavior when she is asked with questions must be noted and
recorded. The movement of her eyes, and the way she talks sand walks must also be analyzed
and noted (Weinstein, & Weinstein, 2014). Lastly, a blood test and the urine test must be done.

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Questions to ask to ensure accurate diagnosis.
1. Questions that can be asked,
2. Since when do you take drugs?
3. How frequent do you take drugs?
4. When you feel the urge the most?
5. What types of drug do you usually use?
6. Who is your closest person?
7. Do you want to quit?
8. What are your feelings about quitting?

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References:
Grant, B. F., Saha, T. D., Ruan, W. J., Goldstein, R. B., Chou, S. P., Jung, J., ... & Hasin, D. S.
(2016). Epidemiology of DSM-5 drug use disorder: results from the National
Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions–III. JAMA psychiatry, 73(1),
39-47.
Salakhova, V. B., Belinskaya, D. B., Erofeeva, M. A., Ulyanova, I. V., Zotova, L. E.,
Khammatova, R. S., & Mizonova, O. V. (2018). Modern methods of diagnosing
addiction to psychoactive substances: neurophysiological aspects. Electronic journal of
general medicine, 15(6).
Weinstein, A., & Weinstein, Y. (2014). Exercise addiction-diagnosis, bio-psychological
mechanisms and treatment issues. Current pharmaceutical design, 20(25), 4062-4069.

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