- Title
- Helping non-specialist professionals to detect and assist with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems
- Creator
- Baker, Amanda; Velleman, Richard
- Relation
- Mental Health and Substance Use: Dual Diagnosis Vol. 2, Issue 3, p. 173-181
- Publisher Link
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17523280903200194
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Resource Type
- journal article
- Date
- 2009
- Description
- Background: There is a high prevalence of co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems. Many people with these co-existing problems initially present in a range of contexts including the criminal justice system and social care settings relating to housing, relationships, family problems, etc., as opposed to mental health or substance misuse services. A complicating factor is that many people with these co-existing problems do not recognise that they have such problems and do not ask for help. This paper seeks to help workers within such agencies to detect co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems, in order to offer help directly or to enable an onward referral. Method: A search of the published English language literature with a focus on screening instruments for mental health and drug and alcohol use problems was performed. Screening instruments were selected which: have some evidence supporting reliability and/or validity when used with people with co-existing problems or in non-specialist settings in which co-existing problems are likely (e.g. GP surgeries); do not require specific professional qualifications or training; and are freely available. Results: A range of simple screening tools were identified and screening procedures described. Conclusions: In order to detect unrecognised co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems, it is suggested that non-specialist organisations need to develop methods of routine screening and risk assessment with a view to providing brief interventions for mental health symptoms and alcohol and other drug use, within the context of extensive liaison with a wide range of agencies.
- Subject
- comorbidity; drug use; alcohol use; mental health; screening
- Identifier
- uon:7698
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/808591
- Identifier
- ISSN:1752-3281
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