Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment

Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis
and Treatment provides a clinically detailed, evidence-based, and exhaustive
examination of a topic rarely plumbed in psychiatry texts, despite the fact that
co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders are common. The authors
argue for a more holistic and integrated approach, calling for clinicians to
tactfully but persistently evaluate patients for a broad range of co-occurring
disorders before determining appropriate treatment. Focusing on a substance use
disorder in isolation, without determining whether another psychiatric disorder
is co-occurring, can doom treatment efforts, and the reverse also is true. To
help clinicians keep the big picture in mind, the book is organized around 18
cases, each of which addresses a particular diagnostic skill (e.g., assessment),
group of disorders commonly comorbid with substance use disorders (e.g., PTSD,
eating disorders), specific treatment (e.g., pharmacological interventions), or
special population (e.g., adolescents). This case-based approach makes it easy
for readers to understand strategies and master transferable techniques when
dealing with their own patients. Because the initial face-to-face sessions are
especially important with this patient population, the book includes chapters on
the diagnostic assessment and the initial interview, as well as offering
interviewing tips throughout to help the clinician develop the necessary care
and skill in this arena. Also included is a chapter on integrating motivational
interviewing into the treatment. Each of the 18 cases stands alone, allowing
the reader flexibility in using the text. For example, the 18 cases and
discussions can be read sequentially, or as needed, depending on the reader's
special interest or current need. The book also features chapters on how to
effectively work with patients whose disorders might be affecting other members
of a patient's family, since the likelihood of a successful outcome is enhanced
if an integrated treatment plan is developed for their co-occurring disorders.
The questions that accompany each chapter can be used as an organizational tool
prior to reading or to test knowledge and comprehension afterward. The text is
completely up-to date and provides DSM-5 diagnostic information essential to
each case.

Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A
Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment offers a straightforward approach to people
with complicated presentations, offering mental health clinicians the skills
they require to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat these patients and their
families.