New screening test for addiction and other disorders

Abstract

A test to screen for someone's mental health disorder — not exactly the same as psychiatric diagnosis — is now in beta testing. Interestingly, the questions about addiction do not involve frequency or quantity but focus on functioning — like the questions relating to other disorders. You can participate in the beta testing. Written by Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D., Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a psychologist who specializes in psychodynamic therapy, the test is easy to use and quick. “The clinical issue is that it is incredibly rare for someone to have only substance a substance abuse disorder and no other mental health concerns,” Shedler told ADAW last week. “We see substance use and depression, substance use and trauma, etc.,” he said. To provide good care, the clinician needs a “comprehensive” picture of their mental health concerns and symptoms. “That's where the test comes in,” said Shedler. This test used to be available only to healthcare organizations, for patients to administer on site. In its newest version (PsychScan), it is available to any licensed clinician, and clients get a client report with client‐oriented information about their mental health status and about what kind of help to look for.