For example, the recent edition of a major comprehensive textbook on psychiatry included over 230 pages of text on schizophrenia and over 1000 sub-topics of schizophrenia in the index. However, the index listed fewer than a dozen references on substance-use disorders and schizophrenia, and the text included just a few pages on it. The challenge for researchers is to develop, test and identify empirically based treatments that are most effective for dual-disordered patients. Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders Integrated treatment can be provided in specialized dual-diagnosis inpatient, partial hospital or outpatient programs or within the context of the current treatment plan by a mental health or substance abuse professional or team. Studies conducted by numerous investigators show that integrated treatment is effective in improving psychiatric and substance use outcomes.
Most studies involve a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatment.
Both individual and group therapies have been or are currently being used in these various studies. The Impact on the Family and Children While not all families or members within a family are affected in the same way by exposure to dual disorders, the burden is often great. The actual effects are mediated by the severity of the disorders, support systems available to the family member and personal factors. Clinicians should be accessible, sensitive to the concerns and issues of family members and should view the families as allies, guarding against labeling family members as codependent or dysfunctional. There will be some instances, however, in which family members may hinder recovery of the dual-disordered member.