Fielding students Stephanie Steinman, Edward Tomaich, and faculty member Marilyn Freimuth present at National Session 2011

Fielding Graduate University
Research Poster Session at National Session 2011
Alexandria, VA

Differences in Identifying Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents and Adults by Mental Health Providers -- Stephanie Steinman, MS, LPC, CSAC, Student, School of Psychology, Edward Tomaich, MA, LPC, Student, School of Psychology and Marilyn Freimuth, PhD, Faculty, School of Psychology

Out of 111 mental health providers who reported that they routinely address alcohol and drug use with patients, only 42.4% gave a possible diagnosis of a substance use disorder (SUD) after reading a vignette describing an adolescent experiencing symptoms of a substance use disorder (SUD) compared to 12.6% who offered a diagnosis for an adult experiencing symptoms of an SUD. This poster examines possible reasons as to why mental health providers are more likely to consider an SUD diagnosis in adolescents and offers recommendations for providers.

For more information on research poster sessions at Fielding, visit www.fielding.edu.