Essentials - Assessment of Patients with Substance Use Disorders-Event Handout

Event Handout
Pdf Summary
This presentation provides an overview of substance use disorders, including diagnosis, screening, and laboratory testing. It starts with an introduction to the changes made in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the criteria for substance use disorders. The presentation also discusses the two groups of substance use disorders – substance use disorders (SUD) and substance-induced disorders (SID) – and the criteria associated with each group.<br /><br />The presentation then introduces the concept of a substance use disorder according to DSM-5, which is characterized by a problematic pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress. It explains that the assessment of substance use disorders should be based on changes in frequency and/or dose of substance use, an individual's own report, reports from knowledgeable others, and clinical observations or biological testing.<br /><br />The eleven criteria for a substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5 are listed, grouped by domains. The criteria include taking substances in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down substance use, and recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations.<br /><br />The presentation also covers screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBIRT), which is a systematic approach to addressing substance use through evidence-based techniques. It explains the different types of screening tools that can be used, such as self-report, interview, and biological markers. It also provides examples of screening tools for alcohol and drugs, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST).<br /><br />Brief interventions and the importance of referral to treatment for patients at risk for substance use problems are also discussed. The presentation emphasizes the effectiveness of brief interventions in triggering change and highlights the need for referral when patients experience serious medical, social, legal, or interpersonal consequences due to their substance use.<br /><br />Lastly, the presentation explores laboratory testing for substances like alcohol and drugs. It provides information on various biomarkers used for alcohol testing, including aspartate amino transferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). It also explains the different drug testing methods and provides examples of the detection time for substances like opioids and marijuana.<br /><br />Overall, this presentation aims to increase understanding of substance use disorders, the diagnostic criteria, screening methods, and laboratory testing.
Keywords
substance use disorders
diagnosis
screening
laboratory testing
DSM-5
criteria
brief intervention
referral for treatment
biomarkers
drug testing methods