Dual Diagnosis In Nursing

There is a large incidence of illicit drug abuse among the adult population, however, the comorbidity of substance abuse and mental illness is equally as high (Elder, Evans & Nizette, 2005). Evidence suggests that those suffering from mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, do not always seek out the appropriate assistance from the medical community and alternatively turn to illicit narcotics (Mueser, Drake & Wallach, 1998). Patients with a mental illness are often incorrectly diagnosed or their condition is poorly managed dual diagnosis, consequently this can result in induced acute episodes, rehospitalisation and relapse (Padwa, Larkins, Crevecoeur-MacPhail, & Grella, 2013). The aim of this essay is to educate nursing staff on…show more content…
Discrimination and stigma of dual diagnosis can be isolating, which often results in patients not seeking care in the first place. Individuals with a dual diagnosis face treatment challenges, this often relating to the lack of appropriate services available for patients with a dual diagnosis. Lack of funding for public substance abuse and mental health delivery systems consequently results in people with a dual diagnosis being placed on waiting lists, leaving them untreated or with the option of private mental health services. Patients may not be able to access private mental health services, due to their lack of money or inadequate private health coverage to cover the long-term treatments, which are required for patients with a dual diagnosis. Services available to a patient with a dual diagnosis are often restricted due to their co-morbid disorder, until this disorder is treated they are unable to access these particular services (Drake, Essock, Shaner, Carey, Minkoff, Kola et al, 2001). Educational facilities rarely teach dual diagnosis treatment, therefore this leaves health practitioners working in the mental health area with a lack of knowledge and understanding in relation to dual diagnosis and its treatment options. Consequently, patients with a dual diagnosis lack knowledge relating to the treatment of…show more content…
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