PSYCHIATRIC-PROBLEMS AMONG ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG-DEPENDENT WOMEN

This article focuses on assessment and treatment of psychiatric disord ers within the alcohol and drug treatment and recovery system. Inasmuc h as women are represented in all categories of psychiatric disorders, the article begins with a discussion of basic principles of assessmen t and treatment, examines some of the barriers to good practice, and o ffers recommendations for reducing them. The article then reviews in g reater detail the psychiatric disorders most frequently found in women seeking help in alcohol and drug treatment settings, adding considera tions relevant to those particular disorders. A brief review of key el ements to facilitate planning, ongoing monitoring, and evaluation by t reatment and recovery service providers is provided.