Complete Psychiatric Evaluation
Individuals with substance use or dependence problems often have a co-occurring mental health issue, which is commonly referred to as a “dual diagnosis.” In fact, some community surveys report that approximately 75 percent of men and 65 percent of women with a problem of substance abuse or dependence have an additional mental health diagnosis. Cliffside Malibu is a treatment center licensed for dually diagnosed individuals. We understand the alcohol/drug dependent person very often is actually attempting to medicate an underlying problem, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD, that has gone unidentified for many years. By participating in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation these other problems can be identified and treated concurrently while in our care. The treatment of underlying problems can be one of the key pieces to achieving lasting sobriety.
About the Psychiatric Evaluation
For many people this commitment can sound like an intimidating process. On the contrary it is a discussion between the individual and our psychiatrist in which information is gathered. During this discussion the psychiatrist is able to draw information from key areas that helps create an overall picture of the individual’s mental health. These areas include current and historical accounts of thought processes, moods and feelings, relationship styles, family history, and the individual’s understanding of what has worked and not worked in their life. Sometimes it is helpful for the psychiatrist to broaden the scope of their information gathering and include laboratory tests and information from family, spouses or friends. The laboratory tests help clarify if a physiological or organic problem is causing or supporting the mental health issue. The information provided by family, spouses or friends can help identify such things as genetic predisposition, changes in behavior that may be hard for the individual to notice, and historical information they not be aware of. Once a diagnostic picture is established by the psychiatrist all involved often feel a great sense of relief at the discovery and understanding of the underlying problems that have been affecting their loved one.
