Substance abuse, assessment

Posternak MA, Mueller TI Assessing the risks and benefits of benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders in patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence. Am J Addict 10 48-68, 2001... 

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with substance abuse disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 37 122—126, 1998 American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000... 

Although ADHD is considered a childhood disorder, signs and symptoms persist into adolescence and adulthood in approximately 40% to 80% and 60% of cases, repectively.1,9 Adult ADHD is difficult to assess, and diagnosis is always suspect in patients failing to display clear symptoms prior to 7 years of age.4 Adults with ADHD have higher rates of psychopathology, substance abuse, social dysfunction, and occupational underachievement. 

For Assessment Tools and Therapy Manuals for Treating Substance Abuse ... 

Meyers, K., McLellan, A. T., Jaeger, J. L., Petdnati, H. M. (1995). The development of the Comprehensive Addiction Severity Index for Adolescents (CASI-A) An interview for assessing multiple problems of adolescents. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 12, 181-193. 

Other important documents in HSTAT include the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Reports and Technology Assessment Reports the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource documents the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS) the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive Services Task Force s Guide to Clinical Preventive Services the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community Services Guide to Community Preventive Services and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations. 

When a patient with depression does not respond to an antidepressant, the first step is to ensure that the patient received an adequate trial. The diagnosis should be reassessed with particular attention given to the possibility of comorbid substance abuse, anxiety, or an undetected medical cause of the depression. In addition, adherence must be assessed thoroughly. If the patient has not been adherent, then the reasons should be explored. Finally, the antidepressant must have been administered at a known effective dose for a reasonable amount of time. 

Diagnosing substance use disorders is often relatively straightforward. One can typically gather enough information to determine the severity of substance abuse. When conducting this assessment, there are other important differential diagnoses to keep in mind. 

Eating and exercise habits and substance abuse can be assessed and their impact on your future well-being determined. Longevity is determined by heredity, lifestyle, and environment. Clearly, you can make a difference. 

Mental Health Care. Lead HHS Agency Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Action Assist in assessing mental health needs provide disaster mental health training materials for disaster workers and provide liaison with assessment, training, and program development activities undertaken by federal, state, and local mental health officials. 

Untreated ADHD is a significant risk factor for substance abuse disorders in adolescents (36). In contrast, pharmacotherapy, that is stimulants, was associated with an 85% reduction in the risk of substance abuse disorders in youths with ADHD. Most authorities recommend complete assessment and diagnosis of both ADHD and any dual diagnoses before starting stimulant medication. 

CenterforSubstanceAbuseTreatment. Methadone-associatedmortality report of a national assessment. May 8-9, 2003. Rockville (MD) CSAT Publication No. 28-03 Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2004. 

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