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Excluding a psychoactive substance use disorder in forensic psychiatric evaluations
1Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program, Colmery-O/Neil Veterans Administration Medical Center, Topeka, KS.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Forensic psychiatrists assess for psychoactive substance use disorders in critical roles. A comprehensive evaluation, including history, exams, and testing, helps exclude these disorders when evidence is absent.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Forensic psychiatrists evaluate for psychoactive substance use disorders in individuals in safety-sensitive positions or legal contexts.
- Evaluations are crucial for security workers, healthcare professionals, and in child custody cases.
Observation:
- Assessments involve reviewing developmental/genetic history, substance use patterns, and functional impairments (social, occupational, legal, health).
- Medical examinations, laboratory tests, mental status examinations, and psychological testing (e.g., MMPI, neuropsychological tests) are integral.
- Corroborated background information is essential for a thorough evaluation.
Findings:
- A negative evaluation, supported by comprehensive data and testing, allows the examiner to conclude that a psychoactive substance use disorder is unlikely.
- The evaluation aims to systematically rule out the presence of a disorder based on objective and subjective evidence.
Implications:
- Accurate exclusion of substance use disorders is vital for public safety and informed legal/custody decisions.
- This systematic approach ensures reliable assessments in high-stakes forensic evaluations.
- Establishes a framework for forensic psychiatric evaluations concerning substance use disorders.