Question by Michael Brian: What addictions does the APA recognize as actual addiction disorders?
I know technically anything can be an “addiction” but I’m trying to find a list that the APA has put out that lists the actual addictions someone can be diagnosed with.

Best answer:

Answer by Peachy Perfect
Depends on what you count as an addiction. The DSM-IV (current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) doesn’t have a definition for the word “addiction” and doesn’t use it.

As far as what *you* might classify as an “addiction”, you can be diagnosed with either Substance Abuse or Substance Dependence, depending on the severity of the addiction. This involves either the dependence on or abuse of substances, like alcohol, heroin, caffeine –yes, I said caffeine–, cocaine, nicotine, etc.

As far as other “addictions” to non-substances go, the ones found under the “Impulse Control Disorders” category include:
– Pathological Gambling (people addicted to gambling)
– Kleptomania (people addicted to stealing)
– Pyromania (people addicted to setting fires)
– Trichotillomania (people addicted to pulling their hair out — yes, I’m serious)

There are lots of other disorders, including but definitely not limited to pedophilia and hypochondriasis, which you might consider addictions (pedophilia being when you are “addicted” to sexual endeavors with children, hypochondriasis being when you are “addicted” to being sick), but I don’t really count those under the “addictions” category, personally.

However, in the DSM-5, which is set to come out in May 2013, they are going to add a ton more disorders involving addictions under the category “Substance Use and Addictive Disorders”. But mostly the only change that will be made is specifying the type of substance that one is abusing, dependent on, and/or suffering withdrawals from. For example, instead of being diagnosed with plain “Substance Abuse” with alcohol listed as a side note, an alcoholic would be diagnosed with “Alcohol Use Disorder”, “Alcohol Intoxication”, and/or “Alcohol Withdrawal”.

What do you think? Answer below!

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Question by Volvogirl: how do they work?
well, how do rehabilitation centres work? i have a class assignment and i wanted to this stuff? it’s probably different for drugg addiction, self mutilation, alcoholism etc… can u brief about it? how do they start, wat kinda medication they put u on? how long is the time between the intervention and when u reach the centre?

Best answer:

Answer by glistam3
There are vast differences depending on the type. First of, “rehabilitation” is a term that specifically is reserved for addiction (drugs or alcohol). The press loves to fling “rehabilitation” around to describe everything any celebrity does that involves “going to a place because one has a problem,” but that’s misusing the term.

Anyhow, [true] rehab centers require a medical evaluation on entry, and the applicant must meet specific criteria for addiction. People who are not conclusively drug addicted are tossed out immediately and guided to whatever they actually need. Once the applicant is admitted, they are barred from bringing any chemical in, even Tylenol or aftershave. Most rehab centers will not put the patient on any meds unless they are required for that person to survive (like insulin for diabetes) but they must get them as-needed from the nurse.

Now, for other issues, like self-mutilation, nervous break-downs or other mental illness, a person undergoes voluntary enrollment in a mental institution or psych ward in a hospital. This is not called rehab. Most psych wards are designed for these voluntary patients, because involuntary enrollment is rare (this is being “committed” and requires a powerful court order from a judge). Those go to a separate area or hospital most of the time.
The voluntary patients are put on medication that is specific to their mental health needs, and this is prescribed by a psychiatrist. Most often the patient must stay for a fixed period for observation even if they want to leave (in Maryland it’s three days).
Now, for all of the above, there may or may no be an intervention. Some folks have a enough sense to check themselves in without anybody making them. However, if there is an intervention, the idea it get them to whichever center as quickly as possible, and it varies by situation. Interventions are not regulated, legal events and anybody can do them (though it’s much better to hire a professional counselor who is familiar).

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Question by Evan: What are your opinions on internet “addiction” being declared a medical problem?
I don’t know how recently or exactly who is doing this, but internet “addiction” is being classified as an actual medical problem. I dont know if it already is or if people are just trying to make it so, but i recently heard about it.

What are your thoughts on this?
I personally think that the people calling it a medical problem and the people that will claim to be addicted to the internet are just looking for some way to justify extensive use of the internet. people are looking for mroe and more ways to put blame on something other than themselves for what they do. its rather pathetic.

Best answer:

Answer by J C
Well, they have to label everything so why not say it is a medical problem? I don’t buy it.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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Question by C_P: What do I have to do to become a MFT in the state of california?
anyone who is a MFT or is going to be — let me know….

thanks!

and useful tips or hints would be great too — I am at a community college right now majoring in psych — I will be transferring to a UC school — I have a 4.0

Best answer:

Answer by jimmaharvey
Education
Before obtaining the MFT license, Marriage and Family Therapists must first complete a two-year masters or doctoral degree program accredited by a regionally accepted body such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or approved by the California Bureau on Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education. The law specifies an integrated course of study that includes “marital and family systems approaches to treatment,” “developmental issues and life events from infancy to old age,” and “a variety of approaches to the treatment of children.”
Marriage and family therapists earn their license through a rigorous education, training and licensing process similar to other mental health professionals.
Marriage and family therapists are well trained
While a minimum of a master’s degree is required, nearly one-fifth of California’s marriage and family therapists also hold doctoral or other advanced degrees.
Training
Applicants for the license must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Many often choose to complete a portion of the hours during the degree program to integrate their coursework with insights born of practical experience and apply the coursework while it is being learned. Post-degree registered interns may train with a qualified supervisor in governmental entities, schools, colleges, or universities as well as licensed health facilities, non-profit and charitable corporations and private practices.
An emphasis of the marriage and family therapist’s training is diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology from a family system and relationship perspective. The MFT’s integrated course of study also trains generally in a variety of other theoretical frameworks and in the use of various psychotherapeutic techniques. Students also have specific training in alcoholism and chemical dependency issues, human sexuality, and child abuse detection and treatment. They may also obtain experience in administering and evaluating psychological tests.
Licensing
Marriage and Family Therapists are licensed by the State of California pursuant to the Healing Arts Division of the California Business and Professions Code (beginning with Section 4980). The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is the licensing and regulatory body for MFTs as well as for clinical social workers and educational psychologists. The MFT licensing exams, which are occupationally-oriented competency-based tests, are a challenging undertaking. Among other key competencies, applicants are tested for their ability to assess, diagnose and treat a range of presenting problems. While the majority pass the written exam, only about half pass the oral exam on the first attempt.
If you would like to read more about how the qualifications of Marriage and Family Therapists compare to other mental health practitioners, such as Clinical Social Workers and Psychologists, read Education, Supervised Experience and Examination: How MFCCs Stack Up.

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