Co-occurring psychiatric conditions are frequently seen in patients with substance use disorders. Clinicians should be alert to the signs and symptoms of common psychiatric disorders and should understand how to distinguish independent psychiatric disorders from substance-induced disorders. Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, are the most common co-occurring conditions, though ADHD is often encountered across the range of substance use disorders. Substance use disorder patients with co-occurring psychiatric disorders will respond to most standard psychological and pharmacological treatments for these psychiatric conditions, though clinicians should avoid the use of medications with an abuse potential and must always focus on sobriety as a primary treatment goal. Treatment that integrates addiction and psychiatric care is the most effective.

Physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams who are treating patients with substance use disorder (SUD).

John A. Renner, Jr., MD | Boston University School of Medicine

Interprofessional Continuing Education credit, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, and Nursing Contact Hours.

Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Medical Knowledge
Patient Care

At the conclusion of this activity participants should be able to:

Identify the most common psychiatric disorders seen in individuals with substance use disorders
Discuss the impact of co-occurring psychiatric conditions on the course of substance use disorders
Describe procedures for screening individuals with substance use disorders for common psychiatric disorders
Explain the management of substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders in the primary care setting

In order to receive maximum credit, learners must:

1. Review the materials provided in this module.
2. Earn a minimum cumulative score of 80% on the post-test.
3. Complete an evaluation to assess satisfaction and plans for individual and/or team practice change.
4. Follow instructions at the end of the course regarding how to retrieve a certificate.*

*Credit will not be awarded unless all components of the program are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.