Treatment of dual diagnosis in mentally disordered offenders: application of evidence from the mainstream

Abstract

Empirical evidence suggests that a complex relationship exists between substance misuse, mental illness and violence in forensic populations. Therefore, effective treatment and intervention is essential in order for this population to live a life free from substance use and offending behaviour. This paper discusses the literature related to interventions for dual diagnosis and how this may be related to mentally disordered offenders. The paper also highlights paucities in the literature where further research is needed to inform practice, and concludes with current recommendations for best practice.

Citation

Weldon, S. and Ritchie, G. (2010), "Treatment of dual diagnosis in mentally disordered offenders: application of evidence from the mainstream", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 18-23. https://doi.org/10.5042/add.2010.0384