Brief psychological interventions for in-patients with co-existing mental health and substance use disorders

Harleston, Dionne M (2014). Brief psychological interventions for in-patients with co-existing mental health and substance use disorders. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

Preview

Harleston14Clin.Psy.D1.pdf
Text - Redacted Version
Download (2MB)

Abstract

Aims: This study sought to test the feasibility and impact of a brief intervention for clients with coexisting mental health and substance misuse difficulties in an in-patient psychiatric setting.
Methods: 11 participants were recruited to the study from three in-patient psychiatric ward. A case series design encompassing a pre-intervention baseline assessment period, a brief integrated motivational intervention and post intervention assessment (immediately following the intervention and approximately one month after). Analysis was undertaken using the reliable change index (RCI) (Jacobson and Traux, 1991) and analysis of themes from a brief post intervention semi-structured interview.
Results: Analysis of the eight of the 11 cases followed up (4 intervention and 4 non-intervention cases) showed no significant difference between the groups who reported little change in process or outcome variables following the intervention. In contrast, a number of cases from both groups reported reduced substance use.
Discussion: The brief integrated motivation intervention appeared to be feasible for those patients whose length of stay spanned the intervention. Difficulties in implementation such as attrition due to discharge and follow up in the community were identified along with the need for more sensitive measures for this population. Issues for implementation and future research are discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):