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Comorbidity of mental disorders and substance use: a brief guide for the primary care clinician (2009)

Author

Gordon A

City

Canberra

Type

Report

Institution

Natiional Drug Strategy

Description

This set of guidelines was produced to provide primary health care workers with information on comorbid (occurring together) mental health and substance use issues. They provide information on the link between alcohol and other drug use and mental health, and how to best manage individuals with both substance use and mental health disorders, including for example; detection, assessment, general and specific management steps, medical options and referrals to other health professionals.

The guidelines are an update of the original guidelines, published in 2002. The guidelines also include information on brain injury, gambling, tobacco and inhalants; information which was not available in the 2002 version.

The updated guidelines are not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander specific.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

When to use this resource

This resource is for primary health care workers, including general practitioners and clinicians. It can be used as a guide to manage patients with comorbid substance use and mental health issues. It provides a starting point for general practitioners and clinicians on what is the most reasonable clinical practices for managing clients with these cormibid health and mental health conditions.