Adam's Case Study

Aside from the detailed history, and physical examination, I chose to use the Mental Status Examination for screening, the ICD-10 checklist for psychoactive substance use syndrome module and the DSM-5 for assessment and diagnosis. Adam’s case meets the ICD-10 criteria for dependence syndrome (heroin), based on the following criteria: (a) strong desire or compulsion to take the substance; (b) difficulty in controlling substance-use behavior; (c) physiological withdrawal on discontinuation of or reduction of substance intake; (d) evidence of tolerance (need for increasing doses of medication to achieve the initial effect of the drug); (e) progressive neglect of other interests; (f) persistence with substance use despite evidence of harmful consequences.