Category Internal Medicine

Drug Use Disorders

Definition The term substance use disorder has replaced substance abuse and dependence in the diagnostic lexicon. As defined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , “The essential feature of a substance use disorder is…

Alcohol Use Disorders

Definition A variety of terms have been used to describe the spectrum of medical, psychological, behavioral, and social problems associated with excessive consumption of alcohol (alcohol problems) . The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th edition (DSM-5)…

Nicotine and Tobacco

Definitions Cigarette smoking is the most frequent (>90%) method of tobacco use, although other forms, including pipe tobacco, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, are common. Nicotine, which is the active ingredient in tobacco, acts as a reinforcer for the use of…

Delirium and Changes in Mental Status

Evaluation of Change in Mental Status Evaluation of change in mental status requires simultaneous efforts towards (1) establishing a diagnosis; (2) identifying potential etiologies and addressing life-threatening contributors; and (3) managing symptoms to ensure patient safety. A careful history should…

Systemic Manifestations of HIV/AIDS

With the advent of early, better tolerated, less toxic, antiretroviral therapy (ART), including fixed-dose combinations and single-tablet regimens, the life expectancy among people with HIV has come closer to that of the uninfected population. However, many complications may arise that…

Microbial Complications of HIV/AIDS

Microbial Complications Epidemiology Despite the widespread availability of effective antiretroviral regimens in the United States, opportunistic infections are still seen frequently at many health care facilities, especially those serving populations with poor access to health care. The annual incidence of…