Monday, March 23, 2009

Are You As Smart As A Substance Abuse Counselor? - Co-occuring disorders: depression

Question: When an actively using, alcohol dependent client presents with depressive symtpoms:

A: Antidepressant medication should be started as soon as possible.

B: Cognitive approaches to treating depression should be employed immediately.

C: Detoxification and absinence should be encouraged and the symtpoms of depression will likely diminish.

D: A psychiatric referral for assessment for bi-polar disorder should be made immediately.

For the correct answer, click on comments and while you're there leave a comment.

This is article # 28 in a series on Are You As Smart As A Substance Abuse Professional?

1 comment:

David G. Markham said...

The correct answer is C: Detoxification and absinence should be encouraged and the symtpoms of depression will likely diminish. However, 3 - 6 months after the initiation of abstinence the patient should be assessed for depression and if present treatment for depression instituted.