Dual diagnosis - Key directions and priorities for service develpoment

In Victoria, as in other parts of the world, mental health and alcohol and other drug services are working with increasing numbers of people who are experiencing both mental health and drug and alcohol problems and disorders. The co-occurrence of these problems and disorders (dual diagnosis) adds complexity to assessment, diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and is known to increase the risk of relapse.

The prevalence and complexity of dual diagnosis requires an integrated approach to assessment and treatment delivered as ‘core business’ within specialist mental health and alcohol and other drug services.

Delivering responses to dual diagnosis clients as part of core business in each sector ensures that people of any age are not excluded from a service because of their dual problems. It also requires that their needs are addressed within the most appropriate service setting, by suitably trained staff and that the treatment and care that they receive is best practice. Area mental health services (AMHS), Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support Services (PDRSS) and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (AODS) supported by Dual Diagnosis Teams have already taken some important steps in this direction.

While this early work has raised awareness about the importance of dual diagnosis and examples of good practice are emerging, a more systematic implementation of integrated approaches across both service sectors is essential if outcomes for these clients and their families and carers are to be significantly improved.

Dual diagnosis - Key directions and priorities for service development - May 2007 (pdf, 736kb)