NCJ Number
196082
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 407-416
Date Published
December 2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence of co-morbid substance misuse and mental illness.
Abstract
Most of the evidence concerning prevalence of co-morbid substance misuse and mental disorders and treatment comes from the United States. If an evidence-based policy response to co-morbidity is to be developed in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, better information about its prevalence and current management is essential. In London, a cross-sectional survey of clinical staff was carried out among public sector substance misuse services and community mental health teams (CMHTs). There were 368 current patients of drug and alcohol misuse services and 930 current patients of CMHTs. The prevalence of co-morbid substance misuse and mental illness was measured among these patients. Strong evidence was found of co-morbid mental health problems in 128 substance misuse patients (35 percent). Evidence of possible co-morbidity in a further 18 percent of cases was found. Among mental health service patients, 24 percent were reported to have current substance misuse problems. Most co-morbid substance misuse patients experienced a range of affective or neurotic disorders that might be consequent upon their substance misuse. Only a minority of co-morbid patients received treatment for both problems and the specialist assessment that key workers felt they needed. Shared care of patients was uncommon. Results suggest that co-morbidity is highly prevalent among mental health and substance misuse patients. Findings suggest that the needs of co-morbid patients in substance misuse and mental health treatment populations are different, but that both require an urgent policy response. New approaches to mental health staff training and service delivery need to be developed and properly tested by rigorous evaluation. 4 tables, 36 references