Managing comorbidity

This topic explores the mechanisms of comorbidity and how services might be organised to deal with the variety of problems related to addiction. The topic goes on to look at some common mental health problems, notably depression and anxiety and how best to deal with these.

This task takes the form of a debate to raise a controversial subject about which you are expected to form an opinion. The motion is: 'lifestyle change is the only intervention needed for the treatment of anxiety and depression'.

In discussion with your study group, however you have construed it, clarify your thoughts about these common mental health problems and how you might change your practice. Think about using rating scales to help determine when it is appropriate to refer to specialist comorbidity services.

This topic is all about the most serious mental illnesses that are associated with substance misuse. It is crucial that addiction services can identify these conditions even if the service is not involved in treating them. You will explore some actions that can be helpful.

The motion for the debate is: 'specialist services are not specialist enough if they fail to give vitamin prophylaxis and treatment'.

In discussion with your study group clarify your thoughts about these serious mental illness problems and how you might change your practice. Think about using rating scales to help determine when it is appropriate to refer to specialist comorbidity services.

Personality disorder is a difficult subject and this topic explores the usefulness of the concept and why personality problems and addiction are often associated. There is a focus on emotionally expressive disorders, which commonly co-occur, and treatment with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

For this topic the motion is: 'the stigma attached to personality disorder is inevitable'.

Use your study group discussion to check your knowledge of personality disorders and how you might address them in your practice. Think about using rating scales to help determine when it is appropriate to refer to specialist comorbidity services.

It is a common finding that people with addiction problems have at some time in their lives experienced trauma, albeit that the trauma might not have been life-threatening, as defined in PTSD. This topic explores the relationship of trauma with addiction and when an intervention is called for.

The controversial motion for this debate is: 'not everybody who has experienced trauma needs or wishes to have trauma treatment'.

In your study group discuss your knowledge about the role of trauma in perpetuating an addiction and how this might best be addressed. Be sure to take a view on when it is helpful to discuss early life trauma and when it is best left alone.