Diagnosis Challenges when Substance Use and Trauma are Part of the Narrative: An Examination of Human Trafficking Cases Among Women and Critical Points of Learning for the Mental Health Community
Author(s): Nicole Lavy-Joy
Human trafficking survivors often have a myriad of complex mental health issues because of their experiences. Research has shown there is a high correlation between substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors. The mental health challenges can become more complex when trauma and/or substance use is misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. The results of this study show the prevalence of both situations among a program serving adult female survivors from within the US. The study documents the more common inaccurate diagnoses for this population of women, and the change in diagnosis after a dedicated period of assessment was completed. The discussion includes a lack of understanding of how trauma and substance use present in a clinical or medical setting, an overfocus on other symptoms, a lack of education and training among law enforcement, courts, and community service providers, and the exacerbated problems for survivors because of the incorrect or inaccurate diagnoses. The research is a contribution to the UN sustainable development goal 5 – gender equality, and empowerment of all women and girls as the data suggests improved processes for women to receive the care needed.