Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To focus on recent research that may influence clinical practice in relation to patients with dual diagnosis disorders.
RECENT FINDINGS
Harmful substance use is a heightened risk with bipolar disorder. Self-medication with substances of abuse for anxiety is linked with greater risk of developing anxiety disorders, particularly social anxiety disorder. Antisocial and schizotypal personality disorders were particularly linked with chronicity in substance use disorders. There are sex differences in responses to psychological approaches for dual disorders involving alcohol. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment for youth is not conclusive but shows promise. Online therapy is viable for adult patients with dual diagnosis. Structured interventions reduce the risk of opioid misuse amongst those with chronic pain, who are identified as at high risk.
SUMMARY
We have confirmation that clinicians should be particularly vigilant in monitoring for substance use problems early in anxiety disorders and mood disorders and that certain personality disorders are linked with substance use chronicity. Practitioners can incorporate specific therapy approaches for dual disorders that appear to have advantages over treatment as usual.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Baigent M

Institution

Department of Psychiatry, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia. Michael.baigent@flinders.edu.au

Source

Current opinion in psychiatry 25:3 2012 May pg 201-5

MeSH

Comorbidity
Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders
Online Systems
Psychotherapy
Self Medication
Sex Factors
Substance-Related Disorders

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22449766