work productivity. Overall, the presence of withdrawal is associated with greater func-
tional impairment and poor prognosis. 
Differential Diagnosis
Other medical conditions. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can also be mimicked
by some medical conditions (e.g., hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis). Essential
tremor, a disorder that frequently runs in  families, may erroneou sly suggest the tremu-
lousness associated with alcohol withdrawal. 
Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal. Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic with-
drawal produces a syndrome very sim ilar to that of alcohol withdrawal.
Comorbidity
Withdrawal is more likely to occur with heavie r alcohol intake, and that might be most of-
ten observed in individuals with conduct di sorder and antisocial personality disorder.
Withdrawal states are also more severe in ol der individuals, individuals who are also de-
pendent on other depressant drugs (sedativ e-hypnotics), and individuals who have had
more alcohol withdrawal experiences in the past.