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Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry
Published in: Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry 3/2015

01-09-2015 | Substance Use Disorders (FG Moeller, Section Editor)

Gender Considerations in Addiction: Implications for Treatment

Authors: Kathryn Polak, B.S., Nancy A. Haug, Ph.D., Haroldo E. Drachenberg, M.D., Dace S. Svikis, Ph.D.

Published in: Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry | Issue 3/2015

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Opinion statement

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) are heterogeneous, making comprehensive assessment an essential part of treatment planning. Since a variety of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments are available, patient needs and characteristics, as well as substance-specific treatment options must be taken into account. In particular, clinicians should consider patient gender, as well as hormonal and other biological factors, when making treatment recommendations. Women are at greater risk for a variety of medical and psychosocial consequences, and may benefit from pharmacological and/or behavioral therapies that differ from those most beneficial for men. Pregnancy and gender identity also warrant special consideration. It is imperative that clinicians keep informed about new research findings that can guide tailoring of evidence-based treatments for men and women with SUD. Looking ahead, the field of pharmacogenomics offers additional promise for identifying the most effective pharmacotherapies for specific patients with SUD.
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Metadata
Title
Gender Considerations in Addiction: Implications for Treatment
Authors
Kathryn Polak, B.S.
Nancy A. Haug, Ph.D.
Haroldo E. Drachenberg, M.D.
Dace S. Svikis, Ph.D.
Publication date
01-09-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry / Issue 3/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2196-3061
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-015-0054-5

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