Dual diagnosis problem needs resources as well as guidance

Tuesday 6 February 2007

Commenting on the Dept of Health's new dual diagnosis guidance released today, Dr Marcus Roberts, head of policy at mental health charity Mind, said:

"The Department of Health issued guidance on dual diagnosis in 2002. While there have been some welcome improvements in links between substance abuse and mental health services since, the guidance wasn't backed with the political will or the resources necessary to have a widespread effect. This new guidance will fail to make a substantial difference to the lives of service users and practitioners unless it comes with the money and determination to improve services on the ground.

We've known about the problems faced by people with a dual diagnosis for a very long time. These vulnerable people are routinely ping-ponged between mental health and substance services. Real progress is long overdue."