Substance use disorders and psychiatric illnesses frequently co-occur and it is often difficult to differentiate independent from secondary disorders in patients. This results in more challenging treatment planning for patients with comorbid disorders, and poorer prognosis. Treatment outcomes in these patients are often worse, including higher relapse rates, shorter time to relapse of substance use, and more hospitalizations.

This module provides clinicians with tools to screen and diagnosis patients with psychiatric illnesses and discusses how to treat common psychiatric comorbidities in patients with co-occurring substance use disorders. Covered topics include: the epidemiology of co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance use disorders, comorbidity theories, and clinical relevance, including diagnostic and treatment implications. The module utilizes three case vignettes to highlight specific diagnostic and treatment challenges, and provides up-to-date treatment recommendations.

Frances R. Levin, MD, Kennedy-Leavy Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute and Elizabeth A. Evans, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

At the conclusion of this activity participants should be able to:
• Recognize that psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders commonly co-occur
• Describe how to screen for and identify comorbid psychiatric diagnoses
• Identify the distinction between independent psychiatric illness and substance- induced disorders
• Demonstrate comfort in developing treatment plans when comorbidities are identified

At the conclusion of this activity participants should be able to:
• Recognize that psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders commonly co-occur
• Describe how to screen for and identify comorbid psychiatric diagnoses
• Identify the distinction between independent psychiatric illness and substance- induced disorders
• Demonstrate comfort in developing treatment plans when comorbidities are identified 

Core Competencies as a result of participating in this activity:

Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Medical Knowledge
Patient Care