Understanding Comorbid Substance Use Disorders and Serious Mental Illness-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar led by Amy Cohen and faculty Amanda Simonton and Dr. Donna Rowland from SMI Advisor focused on understanding comorbid substance use disorders (SUD) and serious mental illness (SMI). It provided insights into the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders using DSM-5 criteria and addressed the challenges of managing such complex cases. The speakers emphasized the prevalence of SUDs in the U.S., detailing the significant overlap with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Methods for early detection and intervention, such as motivational interviewing and various screening tools like CAGE-AID and audit, were discussed. The webinar also explored treatment options, highlighting the importance of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and the use of drugs like buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid and alcohol use disorders. The presenters advocated for integrating motivational interviewing techniques into treatment to guide patients toward positive behavioral changes. Attendees were encouraged to consider individual patient goals—be it harm reduction or abstinence—and were informed about legislative support for practitioners treating SUDs. The session concluded with answers to audience questions about SUD management and significance of physical dependence in addiction treatment.

Keywords

substance use disorders

serious mental illness

DSM-5 criteria

co-occurring disorders

motivational interviewing

medication-assisted treatment

buprenorphine

naltrexone

screening tools