What is important for a potential mental health professional to know about patients who have a substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important for a mental health professional to know that substance use disorder and PTSD often co-occur and that individuals with PTSD may use alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their symptoms. Managing substance use disorder is an important part of treating PTSD, as continued substance abuse can interfere with effective PTSD treatment. A mental health professional should also assess the severity of the substance use disorder and determine if a patient's substance use is contributing to or exacerbating their PTSD symptoms. Therefore, option C is the best choice. Options A and B are not necessarily true for all patients with PTSD and substance use disorder, as individuals may use a variety of substances to cope with their symptoms. Option D is not accurate, as psychotropic medications can be effective in treating PTSD, but they should be used cautiously and with close monitoring.

What Is Important for a Potential Mental Health Professional to Know