36
Flowcharts
Full Protocol
Screen for unhealthy alcohol use
Identification
Indicators for Risk of AWS
• Displaying signs and symptoms of AWS
• Unhealthy alcohol use (screen, collaterals,
biological tests)
• Requests AWS management services
AWS
suspected?
Diagnosis
Conduct history & physical exam
DSM-5 Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Criteria
• Stopping/decreasing heavy and prolonged
alcohol use in patients
• ≥2 of the following within hours or days of
stopping/decreasing alcohol use:
- Autonomic hyperactivity (sweating,
tachycardia), Increased hand tremor
- Difficulty sleeping, Nausea or vomiting
- Hallucinations, Psychomotor agitation
- Anxiety, Seizures (tonic-clonic)
• Significant distress or impairment
• Symptoms not caused by medical disorder
Meets
diagnostic
criteria?
DSM-5 Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
Criteria
• Altered consciousness
• Altered cognition or development of
perceptual disturbance not likely due to
dementia
• Rapid development with fluctuation in
severity
• Symptoms developed during or shortly
after withdrawal
YES
YES
