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08-02-2007 Back to news index
Guidance on 'dual diagnosis' of mental health and drug problems
National Clinical Director for Mental Health Louis Appleby has launched new guidance aimed at improving the care received by people with both a mental health and a drug problem.
Mental health patients who have a drug and/or alcohol problem - also known as dual diagnosis - are more likely to be at risk of taking their own lives, are more likely to be in contact with the criminal justice system, are more likely to be hospitalised and are less likely comply with medication and other treatments.
The guidance centres on the care provided in in-patient settings and makes a number of recommendations for NHS mental health services. These include:
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that all clinical staff in mental health services have the skills to assess and manage patients with a substance misuse problem
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that substance misuse and mental health services should become more integrated,and
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ideas and best practice examples for front-line managers to help them improve services.
In addition, a new resource focused on making patients more aware of the risks of substance misuse and helping them to get their problems under control has been produced. It supports health professionals to discuss drug use with patients and to give them the information they need to reduce their use of cannabis.
The guidance and other information on dual diagnosis is available from the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) site.