Dual diagnosis: approaches to the treatment of people with dual mental health and drug abuse problems.

Abstract

People with a dual diagnosis of mental health and drug or alcohol abuse problems may fall between existing specialist services, which tend to focus on treating one or other problem. DAVID MANLEY argues the case for a flexible, individualised approach to treatment which acknowledges the biological and psychosocial features of the co-existent problems and draws on clinical knowledge and skills from both the mental health and substance addiction professions.