DIAGNOSTIC PROFILES OF OFFENDERS IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAMS

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based upon material published in the journal Behavior Science and Law and is published on the National Institute of Health Public Access website. ABSTRACT This study examined the association of Axis I and Axis II disorders among offenders who were in prison-based substance abuse treatment in a national multi-site study. Participants (N = 280) received a psychosocial assessment and a structured diagnostic interview in two separate sessions. Logistic regression models examined the association between lifetime mood and anxiety disorders with two personality disorders, and the relationship of Axis I and Axis II disorders (alone and in combination) to pre-treatment psychosocial functioning. Over two-thirds of the sample met criteria for at least one mental disorder. Borderline personality disorder was strongly associated with having a lifetime mood disorder (odds ratio = 7.5) or lifetime anxiety disorder (odds ratio = 8.7). Individuals with only an Axis II disorder, or who had both Axis I and Axis II disorders, had more severe problems in psychosocial functioning than those without any disorder. Clinical treatment approaches need to address this heterogeneity in diagnostic profiles, symptom severity, and psychosocial functioning. This course on personality profiles of offenders in substance abuse treatment programs is designed for social workers, psychologists, nurses, substance abuse counselors, forensic specialists and professional counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of offenders. The course material includes a literature review of interventions. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article which includes research. As such it contains statistical analysis and data which some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. One of the benefits of reading research based articles for continuing education is that it allows the practitioner to keep current on the latest findings in their field. Authors: Grella, Greenwell, Prendergast, Sacks and Melnick Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding diagnostic profiles of offenders in substance abuse treatment. Specifically, a professional will: · Describe the association between lifetime mood and anxiety disorders with personality disorders · Identify how borderline personality disorder was associated with having a lifetime mood disorder · Identify levels of psychosocial functioning in individuals with Axis II disorders as compared to those without any disorder Citation: Grella, Greenwell, Prendergast, Sacks and Melnick (2008). Diagnostic Profiles of Offenders in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. Behavioral Science and Law. 26(4): 369–388. visit us on the web at www.ce-classes.com