Only 21 per cent of mental health and addiction services in Ireland have a policy on dual diagnosis, according to a report published today.
The report, the first Irish one into management of people with mental health and addiction problems, was published today by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) .
It said that in most cases there is no specific service for people who have both an addiction and a mental health problem.
Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Management of Dual Diagnosis in Ireland, prepared by researchers at Dublin City University, recommends the co-ordination of care between mental health and addiction services needs to be more systematic in all health boards.
The report found that access to services is limited because of exclusion criteria that are applied to people with a dual diagnosis.
The report found that in some cases, mental health services will not treat a person who is on a methadone maintenance programme, while some addiction services will not treat a person for their addiction if that person is in the acute phase of a major mental illness.
Other exclusion critieria used were if substance abuse is the primary disorder (mental health services); if violent behaviour is present, or it is perceived there is an inability to cope with the rigours of treatment.
Among the report's recommendations are a committee to develop guidelines for the management of dual diagnosis in Ireland; continued methodone treatment for patients who are on methadone prior to admission to a psychiatric facility while in psychiatric care; and improved training and education.
Speaking at the publication of the report in Tullamore today, the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drug Strategy, Mr Noel Ahern, said research in this area is very important given international evidence that prevalence can range from as many as one in two to one in four people with a mental health disorder who can also have a substance abuse disorder.
The NACD was established in July 2000 to advise the Irish Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment / rehabilitation and consequences of problem drug use in Ireland, based on the analysis of research findings and information.