Principles of Care for Young Adults With Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Over 50% of young adults (defined as individuals aged 18-25 years) with substance use disorders (SUDs) have at least 1 co-occurring psychiatric disorder, and the presence of co-occurring disorders worsens SUD outcomes. Treatment of both co-occurring psychiatric disorders and SUDs in young adults is imperative for optimal treatment, yet many barriers exist to achieving this goal. We present a series of evidence-informed principles of care for young adults with co-occurring psychiatric disorders derived by a workgroup of experts convened by Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction. The 3 principles are as follows: (1) young adults should receive integrated mental health and addiction care across treatment settings; (2) care should be responsive to the needs of young adults exposed to trauma and other adverse childhood experiences; and (3) treatment programs should regularly assess and respond to the evolving mental health needs, motivations, and treatment goals of young adults with co-occurring disorders. Our guidance for each principle is followed by a review of the evidence supporting that principle, as well as practice considerations for implementation. More research among young adults is critical to identify effective treatments and service systems for those with co-occurring disorders.
Source: PEDIATRICS
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Developing a Pediatrics-based Social Needs Intervention to Reduce Disparities in ADHD Outcomes for Low-income Children, An implementation science approach to optimizing evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for non-specialty settings, AACAP Physician Scientist Program in Substance Use
OpenAlex ID: W3114758312