Final answer:
The next step for a patient presenting with psychiatric symptoms and a history of substance abuse is a thorough assessment and diagnosis, possibly using DSM-5 criteria, followed by a tailored treatment plan that may include medication-assisted treatment like methadone for opioid addiction, psychotherapy, and group therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Next Steps for a Patient with Psychiatric Symptoms and Substance Abuse History
When a patient shows signs and symptoms (S&Sx) of a psychiatric illness along with a history of substance abuse, the next step in management should include a comprehensive assessment to confirm the diagnosis and to plan for proper treatment. This assessment may encompass:
If the patient exhibits opioid addiction, medications such as methadone may be prescribed. This is because methadone acts as a replacement therapy that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing the person to stabilize and reduce harm related to heroin use. Treatment recommendations should be tailored to the individual's needs and may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), psychotherapy, and group therapy, as emphasized by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.