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Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Anxiety and substance use: layers of complexity
1St Vincent's Health and The University of Melbourne, L2-46 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia. david.castle@svhm.org.au
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|March 19, 2008
Summary
Anxiety and substance use disorders frequently co-occur, worsening patient outcomes. This review examines models, assessments, and evidence-based treatments for this common comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Comorbidity of anxiety and substance use disorders is highly prevalent.
- Co-occurring disorders lead to poorer clinical and psychosocial outcomes compared to non-comorbid presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review explanatory models for anxiety and substance use disorder comorbidity.
- To outline assessment protocols for screening and treatment planning.
- To evaluate the efficacy of interventions for co-occurring disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of explanatory models for comorbidity.
- Analysis of assessment protocols for dual diagnosis.
- Evidence-based review of psychosocial and biological treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Comorbidity significantly impacts patient prognosis across multiple domains.
- Effective assessment strategies are crucial for integrated treatment planning.
- A range of psychosocial and biological interventions show promise.
Conclusions:
- Understanding comorbidity mechanisms is key to improving patient care.
- Integrated assessment and treatment approaches are necessary for co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders.
- Further research into treatment efficacy is warranted.
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