Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/126
Title: Caring for clients with dual diagnosis in rural communities in Australia: the experience of mental health professionals.
Authors: Deans, Cecil
Soar, R.
Issue Date: 2005
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
Place of publication: London
Publication Title: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Start Page: 268
End Page: 274
Abstract: This paper identifies and describes the experiences of 13 rural mental health professionals who care for clients diagnosed with a mental illness and a coexisting alcohol and other drug disorder (dual diagnosis). Dual diagnosis is a common problem which is often poorly understood and managed by mental health professionals. The effect of excessive substance use on a person's mental well-being can present as a diagnostic challenge as each condition may mask symptoms of the other. The authors utilized a phenomenological approach to discover the experiences of a group of mental health professionals working in rural communities in Victoria, Australia. Caring for clients diagnosed with dual diagnosis was found to be a complex and stressful role that involved high levels of skill and knowledge. Despite the fact that health professionals in rural areas are expected to deliver the most appropriate care to individuals with a dual diagnosis, a number of these rural health professionals have limited preparation and experience in dealing with arising clinical diagnosis issues. Clinicians experience frustration, resentment and powerlessness in their attempt to understand their clients' drug misuse whilst simultaneously endeavouring to provide a quality mental health service.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/126
ISSN: 1351-0126
Internal ID Number: 00112
Health Subject: COMORBIDITY
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
MENTAL HEALTH
RURAL HEALTH
SUBSTANCE USE
ALCOHOL
Type: Journal Article
Article
Appears in Collections:Research Output

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