SAMHSA, (2002) defined a co-occurring disorder as any person with at least one mental health disorder and one substance use disorder. Both substance use and mental health disorders have biological, psychological, and social factors making it even more important to use the correct assessment tool when diagnosing and referring clients to treatment. Each disorder can and needs to be diagnosed independently of each other, but treated at the same time in order for full recovery (SAMHSA, 2002). .
Demographics.
This patient is a 39-year-old Caucasian female, identifies as lesbian, who has never married but is currently in a relationship and has no children. She is a licensed Physician's Assistant (P.A.), who resides in San Francisco, California with her partner of nine years.
Presenting Problem.
Patient is referred by her employer after being observed using methamphetamine at work. Patient reports taking antidepressants (Zoloft) but stopped taking it prior to her relapse. Patient could not get up for her shift at the medical center. She reports using methamphetamine as a way to feel normal. She has a feeling of relief now and is ready to get help. Patient had one prior treatment episode in 2010 when she admitted herself into a thirty-day treatment program at which time, was diagnosed with a severe depression and prescribed Zoloft. She successfully completed that program and attended aftercare treatment. She maintained sobriety until December of 2014, when she relapsed on methamphetamine. .
Previous Psychiatric Treatment.
Patient states after her mother passed away from an opioid overdose she experienced a cluster of depressive symptoms including feeling depressed, lack of energy or motivation, isolation along with a very low self-esteem. She was diagnosed with severe depression and was treated while in treatment with the antidepressant Zoloft. The patient did well until she felt she was better, and stopped taking it.
