 |
Dr. Corby helps teens treat substance abuse and related psychiatric disorders simultaneously. |
Adolescents with substance abuse problems often suffer from co-existing psychiatric disorders such as depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The duality can make diagnosis and treatment especially difficult, particularly if one problem is treated at the expense of the other. Elizabeth Corby, PhD, is examining new ways to provide comprehensive treatments through the Adolescent Dual Diagnosis Program housed at Wayne State’s University Psychiatric Centers.
"Young people with a dual diagnosis have historically only received treatment for one problem or the other," said Dr. Corby, director of the program. "Our emphasis is on integrated services which treat the addiction and the mental health comprehensively."
She says the main thrust of the program is to address the rising problem of substance abuse in adolescent populations. "Substance abuse has been steadily growing over the past five years among youths in the United States, but the emergence of heroin, inhalant, and methamphetamine abuse is a more recent phenomenon, as is the increase in marijuana and hallucinogens," she said. Coupled with disorders such as depression or ADHD, the substance abuse can become especially dangerous if left untreated.
The outpatient treatment program is tailored to fit individual needs, but may include individual and group psychotherapy, adolescent and parent skills training, medication management and family therapy. A self-help group is also being developed which the adolescents will run themselves. "Research has shown that positive peer role modeling is an especially robust protective factor and change agent for these kids," said Dr. Corby.
"Through our dual treatment, we are trying to prevent the substance abuse from escalating into dependence or criminal behavior, and the psychiatric disorder from developing into a more serious or chronic disorder."