Ethnic differences among a community cohort of individuals with dual diagnosis in South London

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the characteristics of individuals from Black minority ethnic groups in the UK with psychosis and co-occurring substance misuse.

Aim: To examine and compare with a White group the characteristics of a community cohort of dually diagnosed individuals from Black minority ethnic groups.

Method: People with psychosis and comorbid substance misuse (dual diagnosis) were identified through structured ratings by case managers. Data regarding their social and clinical characteristics were collected from staff and clients.

Results: According to case managers, Black British-born individuals were more likely to misuse cannabis than the White group and to have been compulsorily hospitalized or reportedly involved in violence over an 18 month period.

Conclusion: Attention should be paid in the development of dual diagnosis interventions to ethnic variations in patterns of comorbid substance use.

Declaration of interest: The study was funded by the Maudsley NHS Trust.

Keywords:

• Dual diagnosis
• ethnicity
• substance use
• psychosis

Notes

1 At the time of the study, the CRE recommended a classification system based on ethnic origin rather than nationality as it was thought to produce more reliable and comprehensive results. In the case of people born of mixed parenthood, the Commission suggested that such individuals could identify themselves as they wished, or under the category of “Other” if they found that none of the other categories were suitable. Black individuals born in the UK were also recommended to use the “Other” category (CRE Publications Texts, 2001).

2 Service use and police contacts on the CSRI were also checked with case managers and case-notes, which were the main source if client not interviewed.

3 Khat is a green-leafed shrub with similar stimulant effects to amphetamine, traditionally chewed by people from countries including Somalia, Ethiopia and the Yemen.

4 Definition: subject has assaulted someone, committed a sexual offence, repeatedly threatened to inflict significant harm on someone or threatened someone with a weapon over the 18 months prior to interview. The most severe act was recorded if there were several.