The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66934

Daniel Dubovsky, MSW, SAMHSA FAS Center for Excellence, 1700 Research Blvd, Ste 400, Rockville, MD 20850, 301-294-5479, ddubovsky@northropgrumman.com

Mental illness and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) often co-occur. In addition, behaviors in individuals with FASD are similar to symptoms of mental health disorders. Therefore, individuals with FASD are frequently seen in our mental health systems. Unfortunately, these people are often seen as “treatment failures” and are labeled as noncompliant, uncooperative, and unmotivated. They may thus become high users of intensive services in systems of care such as mental health, substance abuse treatment, and corrections. Due to the disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, and the way information is processed and used in affected individuals, many traditional approaches to treatment are ineffective. Thus, these individuals do not have positive outcomes of treatment, and treatment providers often feel frustrated. This presentation will highlight reasons traditional approaches to treatment are frequently unsuccessful for individuals with these co-occurring disorders. It will also describe interventions that can optimize outcomes for the individual and the success of the agencies and programs that serve them.

Learning Objectives:

• "By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
• 3. Discuss reasons traditional mental health treatment approaches may not be successful for those with co-occurring FASD and mental illness."
  6. Describe treatment approaches that may be more successful for these individuals."
  9. Examine reasons these approaches may be more successful."

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.