Seeing double: Meeting the challenge of dual diagnosisA third of mental health users, half of substance misuse service users and 70 per cent of prisoners are subject to dual diagnosis.
The report, published by the NHS Confederation and the National Mental Health Development Unit, looks at the challenges posed to the NHS by people who have either developed problems with alcohol or drugs because of a pre-existing mental health condition, or have had a mental health condition caused by misusing alcohol or drugs.
It addresses the way provision of services for mental health and drug and alcohol misuse have developed separately and looks at how stronger links between the two, along with better workforce development and awareness, can provide a better service and potentially save money.The report references research, which has shown service users with a dual diagnosis typically use NHS services more and cost more.
The report cites a study of services in South London, which found a greater proportion of patients with dual diagnosis used the support of community psychiatric nurses, inpatient care and emergency clinics.
Their analysis found dual diagnosis patients had significantly higher core' psychiatric service costs (a difference of £1,362) and non-accommodation service costs (£1,360) than patients without a dual diagnosis.
Read Full Report (PDF)
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