Otto has been a heavy drinker for 20 years. He has experienced a number of problems due to his inability to remember things. Because he is aware that he could lose his job due to the memory problems, Otto tends to lie and make up stories to cover up his problem. What is Otto most likely experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Otto is most likely experiencing Korsakoff's psychosis, a neurological disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency usually due to heavy alcohol consumption. This disorder leads to memory deficits, difficulty learning new things, and confabulation (making up stories to cover gaps in memory). Delirium tremens refers to a severe and potentially life-threatening alcohol withdrawal syndrome, while alcohol-induced dementia and alcohol psychosis are more general terms that do not specifically describe Otto's memory deficits and confabulation.

Otto Has Been a Heavy Drinker for 20 Years