Phoenix is a long-term heavy drinker. She is at risk of which of the following psychological disorders?

• A. Alcohol use disorder
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. Autism spectrum disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key term 'long-term heavy drinker' which indicates chronic and excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period.
2. Step 2: Recognize that chronic heavy drinking is strongly associated with the development of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a psychological condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
3. Step 3: Review the other options: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder involving distorted thinking and perception, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition affecting social interaction and communication, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves unwanted repetitive thoughts and behaviors. These are not typically caused by heavy alcohol use.
4. Step 4: Conclude that among the options, Alcohol Use Disorder is the psychological disorder most directly linked to long-term heavy drinking.
5. Step 5: Understand that identifying the correct disorder involves linking the behavior (heavy drinking) with its most common psychological consequence (Alcohol Use Disorder).