Dual diagnosis in Manchester, UK: practitioners' estimates of prevalence rates in mental health and substance misuse services

Abstract

Background: Dual diagnosis (the combination of mental health and drug/alcohol problems) has been recognized as a major health concern. Most studies in this field stem from the US and information about dual diagnosis prevalence is limited in the UK.

Aims: To obtain estimates of dual diagnosis prevalence rates across mental health and substance misuse services in Manchester.

Methods: Telephone interviews were carried out with team managers of mental health (n = 24) and substance misuse services (n = 9).

Results: The mean percentage of dual diagnosis clients throughout services was 46%. The highest proportions were identified in the assertive outreach team (71%), followed by substance use services (59%), and psychiatric inpatient wards (56%). The acute home treatment team (12%) reported the lowest estimate of clients with dual diagnosis problems.

Conclusions: Service providers perceived dual diagnosis to be of major concern across mental health and substance misuse services in Manchester. The estimates were considerably higher than previously reported prevalence rates.

Keywords:

• co-morbidity
• dual diagnosis
• mental health
• substance misuse

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following persons for their support, guidance and other vital contributions: Dr Judy Harrison, Tony Harding, Frank Hanily, Dr Russell Newcombe, and Dr Steve Eccles and colleagues.

Furthermore, we are indebted to the service managers and staff members who enthusiastically participated in the interviews. Without their assistance and generous cooperation, this study would not have been possible.