The Department of Health commissioned the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Research Unit to identify and compile the best available information and training materials on psychiatric comorbidity (dual diagnosis) and to disseminate this effectively to all relevant professional groups in the country. The term psychiatric comorbidity ('dual diagnosis') is used to cover the concomitant diagnosis of a substance misuse disorder and an additional psychiatric disorder. Although specialists in addiction have been aware for over twenty years of the intimate relationship between substance misuse it is only during the last few years that the nature and extent of the problems are becoming more clearly defined. The Dual Diagnosis Information Project (DDIP) produced a practitioner information manual, an associated training resource pack and a register of relevant research.

The study's aim was to raise awareness and knowledge levels among substance misuse and mental health professionals of psychiatric comorbidity (dual diagnosis). There were two phases. Phase 1 comprises nine sub-studies.

 

1. A survey of training and information needs of different professional groups
2. Compilation of relevant information in the area of dual diagnosis
3. The development of database on relevant research in the area of dual diagnosis
4. Literature review
5. Assessment of dissemination methods to identify suitable methods of dissemination for the various practitioner groups
6. Development of a practitioner's information manual in the area of dual diagnosis and associated training resource
7. The production of a book of clinical audit project templates and examples of audits conducted in the field
8. The production of a book of secondary research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and other work that synthesises primary research
9. Pilot testing of training materials to determine the effectiveness of the materials and views on how they may be improved