Jax is a 66-year-old Caucasian female whose wife has encouraged her to seek treatment. She has never been in therapy before, and has no history of depression or anxiety. However, her alcohol use has recently been getting in the way of her marriage, and interfering with her newly-retired life. She describes drinking increasing amounts over the last year, currently consuming approximately a six-pack of beer per day. She notes that this amount “doesn’t give me the same buzz as it used to.” She denies ever experiencing “the shakes” or any other withdrawal symptoms if she skips a day of drinking.

Jax comments that her wife is her biggest motivation to decrease her alcohol use. She tells Jax that she gets argumentative and irritable when she drinks, though she does not always remember these incidents. She has also fallen while intoxicated twice, causing bruises both times and hitting her head on one of the occasions.

Remember to answer these questions from your textbooks and NP guidelines. At all times, explain your answers.

1. Describe the presenting problems/issues. Is there any information that was not provided that you would need to formulate a diagnosis?
2. Generate a primary and differential diagnosis using the DSM5 and ICD 10 codes.
3. What physiological and psychological processes lead to substance dependence?

Identification of Main Issues, Problems, and Concepts

Distinguished – 5 points
Identify and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the issues, problems, and concepts.

Excellent – 4 points
Identifies and demonstrate an accomplished understanding of most of issues, problems, and concepts.

Fair – 2 points
Identifies and demonstrate an acceptable understanding of most of issues, problems, and concepts.

Poor – 1 point
Identifies and demonstrate an unacceptable understanding of most of issues, problems, and concepts.

Use of Citations, Writing Mechanics and APA Formatting Guidelines

Distinguished – 3 points
Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Exceptional use of citations and extended referencing. High level of APA precision and free of grammar and spelling errors.

Excellent – 2 points
Effectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Moderate use of citations and extended referencing. Moderate level of APA precision and free of grammar and spelling errors.

Fair – 1 point
Ineffectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. Moderate use of citations and extended referencing. APA style and writing mechanics need more precision and attention to detail.

Poor – 0 points
Ineffectively uses the literature and other resources to inform their work. An unacceptable use of citations and extended referencing. APA style and writing mechanics need serious attention.

Distinguished – 2 points
Student constructively responded to two other posts and either extended, expanded or provided a rebuttal to each.

Fair – 1 point
Student constructively responded to one other post and either extended, expanded or provided a rebuttal.

Poor – 0 points
Student provided no response to a peer’s post.