The publisher, Taylor & Francis, has commissioned the journal 'Mental health and substance use: dual diagnosis', which will commence publication in February 2008. The journal will be published 3 times per annum. Each issue is 96 pages in B5 format, with approximately 500 words per page.
The journal editor, Philip D. Cooper has issued a call for papers. These will be subject to double-anonymous peer-review. Manuscripts should be sent by email only to: Philip D. Cooper editor@mhsu.co.uk
The editor is particularly keen to lead the debate relating to the term 'dual diagnosis'.
The issue of appropriate terminology is one that has caused a great deal of discussion when exploring the concept of this journal. There appears to be a lack of consensus around terminology internationally. 'Dual diagnosis' is used interchangeably with terms, such as, 'co-existing/comorbid/co-occurring mental health and substance use.'
It is questionable whether any of the terms applied fully reflect the complexity of the issues surrounding the individual, nor the mutually dependent nature of mental health and substance use problems. However, at this moment in time, whilst the term dual diagnosis is inadequate, it is the most widely recognised and used term for this group internationally. It is our belief that a journal aiming to explore and develop knowledge, interest, and understanding of this complex issue, should lead the debate to identify and define a universally agreed term which reflects the multifaceted needs of individuals experiencing substance use and mental health problems.
Types of manuscripts welcome
The Journal welcomes a range of contributions.
The following examples are considered for publication:
a.. Reports of research and innovative practice. These will be peer-reviewed.
b.. Short reports and reports of clinical cases, either single cases of interest or small numbers of unusual presentations. These will be peer-reviewed.
c.. Review articles providing either a meta-analysis of a subject or a comprehensive literature review on a subject. These will be peer-reviewed.
d.. Personal opinions on a subject which may be controversial and of which we may commission a response.
e.. Emails/letters-to-the-editor on matters relating to co-existing mental health and substance use. Remember that there may be at least a six-month delay between receipt of an Email and its publication; therefore, topicality should not rely on immediate publication.
f.. Membership organisation profiles.·
Information about forthcoming events.·
Media reviews: see Instructions to Author for details
Manuscript wordage
Manuscripts should be in English and up to 3000 words in length. However, articles of any length will be considered.
