Assessment and diagnosis of nicotine dependence in mental health settings.
This study evaluated the frequency of documented assessment of smoking status and the diagnosis of nicotine dependence in a random sample of 153 mental health records and 152 medical records. The results indicated that tobacco use was routinely documented in the mental health records (88%) and medical records (87%). However, a diagnosis of nicotine dependence was given in only 2% of the mental health records (1/49) and 7% of the medical records (2/30) for those patients with documented regular tobacco use. These results suggest that clinicians do not routinely diagnose Nicotine Dependence even when diagnostic criteria are met.
Peterson
Alan L
AL
The Clinical Health Psychology Service, Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex., USA. alan.peterson@lackland.af.mil
Hryshko-Mullen
Ann S
AS
Cortez
Yvette
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*