In alcohol dependence, triglycerides are usually elevated.
While alcohol dependence and abuse cannot be diagnosed using laboratory testing, they tend to produce characteristic laboratory findings, including the following:
* Elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
* Increased prothrombin time
* Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation greater than 40%
* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation greater than 20%
* Elevated amylase
* Low white blood cell count
* Elevated uric acid
* Elevated triglycerides

ODD is an enduring pattern of angry or irritable mood and argumentative, defiant, or vindictive behavior lasting at least six months with at least four of the following associated symptoms:
* Loses temper
* Touchy or easily annoyed
* Angry or resentful
* Argues with authority
* Actively defies or refuses to comply with requests or rules from authority figures
* Blames others
* Deliberately annoys others
* Spiteful or vindictive

Biopsychosocial factors in the family of origin are thought to contribute to the development of personality disorders. Other co-occurring mental health diagnoses are not known to be risk factors. Learning disabilities or a lack of community involvement as a preschooler are not known to contribute to the development of personality disorders.

Beneficence, the duty to help others by doing what is best for the patient, may require breaching confidentiality to prevent potential harm to the patient.
While autonomy supports respecting the patient's wishes for confidentiality, it must be balanced with the need to prevent harm. Fidelity involves remaining true to one's word, and while considering how the PMHNP answers the patient, it is not a consideration regarding deciding whether to keep the information confidential. Justice, the principle of treating individuals equitably, is not particularly relevant to the immediate need to ensure the patient's safety.

Social determinants of health-including poverty, education, housing, and access to healthcare-can significantly impact a person's mental health. People living in low-income neighborhoods are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues due to poor access to healthy food, safe housing, and quality healthcare. The PMHNP should recognize that the patient's symptoms may be influenced by these social determinants and should take a holistic approach in their assessment and treatment, considering the patient's social and economic context and symptoms.