
Course Title: Managing Common Psychiatric Conditions in Patients with Substance Use Disorders
Presenter(s): Ellen L. Edens, MD
Course Description: Co-occurring psychiatric conditions are common in patients with substance use disorders, yet the "abstinence first" approach still shapes too much clinical practice, delaying care that patients need now. This course equips general health care providers - primary care physicians, nurses, PAs, and pharmacists - to recognize and manage the psychiatric conditions most often seen alongside substance use disorders, particularly mood disorders, anxiety and stress disorders (including PTSD), and ADHD. Learners will build skills to screen, diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders and apply standard psychological and pharmacological treatments effectively in this population. The core message: simultaneous screening and treatment of co-occurring conditions, not sequential or abstinence-contingent care, produces the best outcomes. Integrated addiction and psychiatric care is the standard this course prepares every clinician to deliver.
Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
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Explain why co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders matter in general health care settings
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Identify common psychiatric disorders in patients with SUD and assess the strength of their association
- Screen for common psychiatric disorders in patients with SUD using validated brief tools, and apply clinical strategies to distinguish independent from substance-induced disorders
- Apply evidence-based strategies to manage patients with co-occurring SUDs and psychiatric conditions in general health care settings
Curriculum Overview: Healthcare professionals are often on the front lines of treating substance use disorders (SUDs), yet many have limited formal training in this area. The SUD 101 Core Curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in current research, evidence-based practices, and available resources.
The curriculum includes:
- Foundational Courses: Eight interactive, case-based courses that simulate real-world clinical scenarios and provide foundational SUD training
- Supplemental Courses: These courses offer a deeper exploration of specialized topics and expand on core concepts
Together, these courses enhance healthcare professionals’ competence and confidence in caring for patients with SUDs across the continuum of care, with a particular focus on opioid use disorders (OUD).
This is a supplemental course within the SUD 101 Core Curriculum. Visit the SUD 101 Core Curriculum page to explore additional educational trainings as new courses become available.