Bibliographies

The following bibliography has been compiled from the Australian Family & Society Abstracts database and other resources held in the Institute's library. Where available a link to the document on the Web is provided. Most items can be borrowed from the Institute's library via the inter library loan system. Online publications in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Dual Diagnosis

The policy initiatives needed to address the effects of substance abuse on Australian families are discussed. The paper provides a general overview of current policies, together with evaluations of policy responses in the international and Australian contexts. The efficacy of diversion programs and drug courts is discussed in terms of what contributes to better practice. A range of other interventions, including those focused on the family, the school and those with dual diagnosis, are described. Gaps in knowledge in substance misuse policy and services, and key areas for attention and further exploration are identified.

Dual diagnosis and homelessness: A Victorian response. (2006).
Batty, A., & Nathan, P.
Parity, 19(8), 11.

Greater levels of service coordination and integration are associated with better engagement in treatment for clients with a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorders. The Dual Diagnosis Reciprocal Rotations Project in Victoria aims to increase the numbers of clinicians capable of dual diagnosis and increase awareness of issues relating to dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis: Reviewing current research. (2005).
McDermott, F.
Parity, 18(8), 17-18.

This article examines two literature reviews on dual diagnosis conducted in 1993 and 1999 and service initiatives provided in Victoria during the period 1993 - 2005. The article also summarises a research study that reviewed work in the dual diagnosis field in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Engaging the dually diagnosed homeless client. (2005).
Garcia, C.
Parity, 18(8), 6-7.

The common co-occurrence of mental health and substance use disorders and the resulting increased risk of homelessness are discussed in this article. The SUMITT program provides services to dual diagnosis clients of homeless agencies through advocacy, assessment, treatment planning and referral, and supports staff from homeless agencies through consultation, education and training. The article discusses how to engage with homeless dual diagnosis clients and presents a hypothetical case study that illustrates challenges in engagement.

Fitting bent pegs in square holes: Psych patients in EDs. (2005).
Phillips, G.
New Doctor, 83, 9-11.

Demand for acute psychiatric services in emergency departments is increasing. This edited version of a submission to the Senate Select Committee Inquiry into Mental Health explores issues relating to acute care and after hours crisis services for people with mental illness. It discusses the practice of detention and seclusion, community care, and special needs groups, in particular the aged and those with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and drug and alcohol use.

Lost opportunity or lifeline? Women with substance use issues and their perceptions of the barriers to pregnancy care: A report on research conducted for the Women's Alcohol and Drug Service. (2005).
Tobin, M. C.
Carlton, Victoria: Women's Alcohol and Drug Service, Royal Women's Hospital.

The service needs and service utilisation of substance-using pregnant women in Melbourne are examined in this study. The study covers: women, substance use and the medical system; pregnancy care and service utilisation; individual tensions in accessing care; substance-using women, their partners and the drug culture; child protection; homelessness; dual diagnosis; what motivates women to attend pregnancy care; fear of attending pregnancy care; child care, health, housing, transport, drug and alcohol use as a barrier; ambivalence about the pregnancy; family support; legal, financial and cultural issues; organisational factors; previous experiences of the hospital; motivating factors; and comparisons between Women's Alcohol and Drug Service and Maternity Care Program clinics.

Managing mental health and substance use: The dual diagnosis project. (2005).
Pawsey, B.
Parity, 18(8), 14-15.

The services available to, and outcomes for, people who suffer from a dual disorder of severe mental illness and substance use are discussed in this article. The progress of the Dual Diagnosis Project, which aims to develop an appropriate support package for dual diagnosis clients, is described.

Mind the gap: Supporting children in families where parents have a dual diagnosis. (2006).
Hegarty, M.
In S. Robertson (Ed.), Dancing to the beat of a different drum: Book of proceedings, 15th Annual TheMHS Conference, Adelaide, South Australia, 31 August-2 September 2005. (pp. 71-76). Balmain, NSW: Mental Health Services Conference Inc. of Australia and New Zealand.

The National Illicit Drug Strategy Dual Diagnosis Project is a partnership between the Mental Health Co-ordinating Council (MHCC) and the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS). The project, sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services, aims to improve support for children and young people affected by parental dual diagnosis. In 2004-2005, the Dual Diagnosis Project researched the needs of this population, and developed a series of information resources for workers, families and carers, to improve knowledge about parental dual diagnosis and support available. The project also aimed to improve support for families through the development of practice tools specific to dual diagnosis, improved cross agency collaboration and training. (Author abstract)

Older adults with a dual diagnosis. (2005).
Ryan, K.
Parity, 18(8), 21.

Because of high suicide rates among older adults with a combination of alcoholism and depression, it is important to examine the prevalence of dual diagnosis in older adults. This article looks at research on dual diagnosis in older people, alcohol and drug abuse in the elderly, and issues in screening for alcohol and drug abuse in older people.

Supporting children affected by parental dual diagnosis: Mental illness and substance abuse: A collaborative mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative. (2005).
Hegarty, M.
Auseinetter, (25), 21-26 and Online (PDF 2.3M)

The National Illicit Drug Strategy Dual Diagnosis project aims to improve identification of and support for parents affected by mental illness and substance abuse, and reduce risks to children and young people who are affected by parental dual diagnosis. This article discusses: access to services for people with a dual diagnosis; the complex needs of families affected by dual diagnosis; the impact of dual diagnosis symptoms on parenting and on children; child protection; and resilience, risk and protective factors. It identifies needs for families experiencing dual diagnosis, integrated service delivery, information for children, parents and carers, training for service providers, and practice guidelines and assessment tools.

Theoretical perspective on posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. (2005).
Najavits, L. M.
Australian Psychologist, 40(2), 118-126.

This paper reviews theoretical considerations in the treatment of patients with the dual diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). This dual diagnosis is shown to have features that are similar to other dual diagnoses, but also differences in some important areas. For example, in contrast to some other mental health diagnoses, PTSD may worsen with abstinence from substances; it is unique in potentially evoking symptoms of the disorder in the clinician; it may be easier to diagnose in the context of SUD; it may be more disavowed and underdiagnosed; it may require stage-based treatment; it may have more likelihood of recovery; and legal issues may be more prominent. Key themes of therapy for the dual diagnosis are described, as well as specific psychotherapies that have published empirical results. The need for more empirical research on the dual diagnosis is emphasised. (Journal abstract)

The Victorian response to dual diagnosis. (2005).
Cole, M.
Parity, 18(8), 4-5.

The high incidence of co-morbidity in mental health and substance use disorders means that dual diagnosis is everyone's business. This article describes the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative, with its focus on capacity building, summarises an evaluation of the initiative and looks at what still needs to be done.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia: The study of treatment for dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse in Canada, USA and England, with an emphasis on the care of homeless people. (2004).
Harris, M.
In NSW NGO Conference 2004 - NGOs Mental Health and Community: Turning the Tide, March 2004. Sydney, NSW: Mental Health Coordinating Council. Online only (PDF 376K)

As the 2002/2 Churchill Fellow, the author studied models of treatment and rehabilitation for people who have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse with a focus on residential models in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Her report covers the countries' national guidelines regarding dual diagnosis; research history and evidence based practice; dual diagnosis programs; dual diagnosis programs for indigenous youth; treatment for personality disorder - DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy); trauma treatment; assisting homeless people who have dual diagnosis. Appendices cover direct services to the homeless; rural services; supported housing for people with mental illness; housing for people recovering from addiction. Concluding that “Dual diagnosis, among people with serious mental illness, is increasingly regarded as the expectation, not the exception in the USA, Canada and UK”, the author makes a number of recommendations applicable to Australian policy and services.

Dual diagnosis - Young people

Balancing act: Treating young people with a 'dual diagnosis'. (2005).
Martyn, T.
Parity, 18(8), 8-9.

There is a lack of services to assist young people suffering from a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance misuse. The article discusses the scale of the problem, accessing appropriate care, reconfiguring the delivery of services, the need for services to be sensitive to the needs and preferences of young people, and addressing basic needs such as food and stable housing.

Barriers to service provision for young people with presenting substance misuse and mental health problems. (2004).
Szirom, T., King, D., & Desmond, K.
Canberra, ACT: Department of Family and Community Services on behalf of National Youth Affairs Research Scheme. Online only (PDF 2.1M)

The services and resources available to young people with co-occurring disorders vary widely across Australia. This report investigates the reasons for barriers to service provision for young people, including Indigenous youth, with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse. The report presents: the study context and methodology; conceptual overview; mapping of current practice; barriers to service provision; strategies to overcome barriers; best practice; recommendations.

Bridging the gap: Enhancing co-morbidity services for young people: A collaboration between youth AOD and mental health services. (2005).
Rogers, N.
Parity, 18(8), 10-11

Mental health and drug treatment services have historically worked poorly together. Over the last two years the Youth Substance Abuse Service, Orygen Youth Health and Western Drug and Alcohol Services (Youth Services DASWest) have collaborated to improve the coordinated detection, management and treatment of young dual diagnosis clients. The article discusses what has been achieved so far, including a prevalence study, training and service development needs analysis, development of a brief mental health screening tool, development of a brief intervention, employment of co-morbidity workers, and evaluation of new services and supports.

Dual diagnosis and homelessness: A matter of human rights. (2005).
Van Dooren, K.
Parity, 18(8), 12-13

This article discusses results of consultations which focus on mental health and accommodation issues facing young people in the Australian Capital Territory, and the experiences of young people with regard to homelessness and access to services. The article explores homelessness and dual diagnosis, access and equity, human rights, access to secure housing, and youth participation in decisions that affect them.

Falling through the cracks: Supporting young people with dual diagnosis in rural and regional Victoria. (2006).
Kenny, A., Kidd, S., Tuena, J., et al.
Australian Journal of Primary Health, 12(3), 12-19.

There are significant barriers to the provision of optimal care for young people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse, particularly in rural and regional areas. Dual diagnosis programs that focus on both substance abuse and mental health issues demonstrate greatly improved client outcomes. Developing a peer education program provides one constructive way of involving dual diagnosis consumers in developing more responsive health services. It provides a highly structured and supported way of involving consumers who ordinarily find mental health services bewildering and inaccessible. By drawing on the knowledge and skills of young people with dual diagnosis, and involving them as peer educators, the notion of expertise in lived experience is captured and harnessed to provide the establishment of a consumer focused service that better meets the needs of this complex, often neglected, client group. (Journal abstract, edited)

Pilot project: A collaboration between Northern NEXUS and YSAS: Transfer of information between AOD and mental health services. (2005).
Hynan, C.
Parity, 18(8), 19-20.

This project aims to improve communication between alcohol and drug services and the mental health sectors, with a focus on young clients with dual diagnosis presentations. This article describes the project background, goals, project development, project tools and evaluation.

South Sydney dual diagnosis project. (2005).
Geddes, J. A., & Barton, J.
Parity, 18(8), 22-23.

The South Sydney Youth Service dual diagnosis project aims to assist young people who have co-existing mental health issues and substance use issues. This article describes how and why the project was developed, how it operates, some project outcomes, and identifies some common service problems for young people presenting with dual diagnosis. It includes two case studies of young homeless people with dual diagnosis.

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