SAMISS
Also written as: SAMISS — Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Symptoms Screener
Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Symptoms Screener; a brief tool for detecting co-occurring disorders.
Full Definition
SAMISS (Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Symptoms Screener) is a validated screening instrument designed to identify individuals who may have both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The tool consists of brief questions that assess symptoms across multiple domains including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance abuse patterns. It is particularly valuable in addiction treatment settings where co-occurring disorders are common but may be under-diagnosed. The SAMISS helps clinicians determine when comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and integrated treatment approaches are needed.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from SAMHSA (the federal agency) when documenting.
In Context
- "SAMISS results indicated possible mood disorder requiring psychiatric consultation." — Assessment summary
- "The SAMISS will be administered to all clients during intake to identify dual diagnosis needs." — Clinical protocol