In the 1950s and 60s, a raft of research was carried out into psychedelic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (a compound found in magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy) and mescaline, which alter cognition and perception, and their potential benefit to people with mental health problems. But at the same time as this research was being carried out, recreational use of psychedelic drugs led to the political view of these drugs being dangerous. As a result, the US banned all uses of psychedelics in 1968, even for research. However, after decades of being seen purely as illegal, the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used as a treatment for mental health problems is being considered once again. A number of studies are taking place that are once again investigating whether psychedelic drugs could have a therapeutic benefit if administered properly. Initial research has shown that MDMA has positive effects on post-traumatic stress disorder and that psilocybins may be able to treat personality disorders. In addition, the fear that psychedelics cause schizophrenia appears to be largely unfounded.
In the 1950s and 60s, a raft of research was carried out into psychedelic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (a compound found in magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy) and mescaline, which alter cognition and perception, and their potential benefit to people with mental health problems. But at the same time as this research was being carried out, recreational use of psychedelic drugs led to the political view of these drugs being dangerous. As a result, the US banned all uses of psychedelics in 1968, even for research. However, after decades of being seen purely as illegal, the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used as a treatment for mental health problems is being considered once again. A number of studies are taking place that are once again investigating whether psychedelic drugs could have a therapeutic benefit if administered properly. Initial research has shown that MDMA has positive effects on post-traumatic stress disorder and that psilocybins may be able to treat personality disorders. In addition, the fear that psychedelics cause schizophrenia appears to be largely unfounded.
Subject terms:
medication, mental health problems, personality disorders, politics, post traumatic stress disorder, psychiatry, drug misuse;
Psychiatric Bulletin, 27(1), January 2003, pp.17-19.
Publisher:
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Between 1998 and 2000, a surprisingly high number of positive results was noticed in our regional medium secure unit when testing for D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This led to an investigation of possible factors involved. It was felt that the testing protocol, particularly the use of a single, non-isotopic homogeneous immunoassay without routine further confirmatory testing, was largely to blame for what seemed to be a high incidence of false positives. On two different occasions, samples from each patient were sent, on the same day, to two different laboratories. At the first laboratory, only one test method was used and at the second one test plus two confirmatory tests were carried out. Out of a total of 23 patients tested on two separate occasions, the first laboratory gave three positive results the first time and three positive results the second, while the second laboratory gave only one positive result on the second occasion that samples were sent and none on the first. This reinforces the belief that, without adequate confirmatory analysis, many psychiatric and non-psychiatric prescribed drugs can give false positives.
Between 1998 and 2000, a surprisingly high number of positive results was noticed in our regional medium secure unit when testing for D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This led to an investigation of possible factors involved. It was felt that the testing protocol, particularly the use of a single, non-isotopic homogeneous immunoassay without routine further confirmatory testing, was largely to blame for what seemed to be a high incidence of false positives. On two different occasions, samples from each patient were sent, on the same day, to two different laboratories. At the first laboratory, only one test method was used and at the second one test plus two confirmatory tests were carried out. Out of a total of 23 patients tested on two separate occasions, the first laboratory gave three positive results the first time and three positive results the second, while the second laboratory gave only one positive result on the second occasion that samples were sent and none on the first. This reinforces the belief that, without adequate confirmatory analysis, many psychiatric and non-psychiatric prescribed drugs can give false positives.
Subject terms:
medication, medium secure units, mental health problems, psychiatry, diagnostic tests, drug misuse;
Designed to help patients and carers know the benefits and risks of psychiatric drugs, understand prescriptions, cut down the risk of dependence, get the best out of doctors, and play an active part in the patients own recovery.
Designed to help patients and carers know the benefits and risks of psychiatric drugs, understand prescriptions, cut down the risk of dependence, get the best out of doctors, and play an active part in the patients own recovery.
Subject terms:
medication, mental health problems, dependency, drug misuse, drug prescription, general practitioners;
Providing adequate treatment and supervision for drug offenders with co-occurring disorders in the United States has been a challenge because they are usually not eligible for drug court and often fail to comply with the conditions of probation in other drug diversion programs. The authors report the results of a process evaluation of the Co-Occurring Disorders Court (CODC) implemented by the Superior Court of the County of Orange, California. Drug offenders who are chronically, persistently mentally ill and diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a major depressive disorder participated in an 18-month program that provides integrated treatment. Following evaluation by a psychiatrist and the drug court team (judge, public defender, probation officer, and mental health caseworker), they are placed on medication and referred to residential and/or outpatient drug treatment. During the program they are randomly drug tested and their progress is monitored by the drug court team; they receive sanctions for program non-compliance or rewards for program compliance. In the first two years of operation the CODC admitted 72 offenders. The study findings indicate the majority of participants are being stabilized on their medications, which increases their treatment stay and improves their quality of life. At 6 months the participants show advances in social functioning, decreasing problems due to substance use, and productivity in the achievement of life goals. The results of the process evaluation indicate the program is achieving the stated objectives. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Providing adequate treatment and supervision for drug offenders with co-occurring disorders in the United States has been a challenge because they are usually not eligible for drug court and often fail to comply with the conditions of probation in other drug diversion programs. The authors report the results of a process evaluation of the Co-Occurring Disorders Court (CODC) implemented by the Superior Court of the County of Orange, California. Drug offenders who are chronically, persistently mentally ill and diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a major depressive disorder participated in an 18-month program that provides integrated treatment. Following evaluation by a psychiatrist and the drug court team (judge, public defender, probation officer, and mental health caseworker), they are placed on medication and referred to residential and/or outpatient drug treatment. During the program they are randomly drug tested and their progress is monitored by the drug court team; they receive sanctions for program non-compliance or rewards for program compliance. In the first two years of operation the CODC admitted 72 offenders. The study findings indicate the majority of participants are being stabilized on their medications, which increases their treatment stay and improves their quality of life. At 6 months the participants show advances in social functioning, decreasing problems due to substance use, and productivity in the achievement of life goals. The results of the process evaluation indicate the program is achieving the stated objectives. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Subject terms:
law courts, medication, mental health problems, offenders, treatment, treatment compliance, therapy and treatment, drug misuse, dual diagnosis, evaluation;
This book is for practitioners who work in drug and alcohol services or other settings such as health, social care and criminal justice. It gives an overview of the link between drug misuse and mental health. The booklet covers the following topics: mental health problems; commonly prescribed medication for mental health; mental health services - what do they do?; drug use and mental health - dual diagnosis; roles of the drug worker - responding to drugs and mental health issues; and summaries of mental health law, standards and guidance.
This book is for practitioners who work in drug and alcohol services or other settings such as health, social care and criminal justice. It gives an overview of the link between drug misuse and mental health. The booklet covers the following topics: mental health problems; commonly prescribed medication for mental health; mental health services - what do they do?; drug use and mental health - dual diagnosis; roles of the drug worker - responding to drugs and mental health issues; and summaries of mental health law, standards and guidance.
Extended abstract:
Author
VOSE Colin
Title
Mental health and drugs: a drug workers' guide to working with service users who have a mental illness
Publisher
HIT, 2005
Summary
This booklet is for practitioners who work in drug and alcohol services or other settings such as health, social care and criminal justice. It gives an overview of the link between drug misuse and mental health.
Context
There is increasing concern about the link between drug use and mental health problems. People with drug problems are more likely than the rest of the population to have mental health problems, and people with mental health problems are more likely to have drug problems. Mental health and drug services have gaps in service provision and knowledge with the result that many individuals with both problems find themselves being passed between services, each service claiming it is ill-equipped to respond to the combination of drug dependence and mental illness.
Contents
The booklet seeks to provide drug workers with a sufficient knowledge base about mental health problems to ensure they can recognise and assess mental health problems in the client group and liaise with and work alongside mental health services to deliver effective care. The introduction outlines the extent and nature of illicit drug use in the UK ; use by young people and the general population; effects, risks and harms; and the pattern of drug use. Section 1 explains mental health problems, with sections on neurosis, depression, anxiety states, insomnia, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder, psychosis, organic psychosis, functional psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, schizophrenia, psychosis and mania, schizoid-affective disorder, bipolar disorders, suicide, diagnosing mental health problems, early diagnosis of psychosis, and the cost of mental illness. Section 2 describes commonly-prescribed medication for mental illness: anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, and minor tranquillisers and sleeping tablets, and interactions between prescribed and abused medication. It also states there is more to treating mental illness than medication, and discusses the drug worker's paradox: his or her aim is to reduce harmful drug use; the mental health worker's role is often to encourage them to take their prescribed drugs. Section 3 explains what mental health services do, outlining primary and secondary care, the community mental health team, assertive outreach, crisis resolution and the home treatment team, the early intervention team, the acute psychiatric hospital ward, the psychiatric intensive care unit, and the way in and out of mental health services. Section 4 discusses the dual diagnosis of drug use and mental health (co-morbidity), with sub-sections on the prevalence of substance misuse among those with severe and enduring mental health problems and of mental health problems among substance-misuse populations, and the relationship between drug misuse and mental health. It summarises the links between certain drugs and mental health problems, discussing cannabis, dopamine, other psychedelic drugs, stimulants, and alcohol. Section 5 is about the role of the drug worker in responding to drugs and mental health issues: assessment, treatment and care at three levels (screening and referral, drug use triage assessment, and comprehensive drug use assessment); key indicators of mental health and/or substance misuse problems; risk assessment; care planning and the care programme approach; and discharge planning. Section 6 summarises mental health law. Section 7 describes standards and guidance: the National Service Framework for Mental Health, the Department of Health Dual Diagnosis Good Practice Guide, the UK drugs strategy, and the National Treatment Agency and Models of Care. It ends with a “Must do!” list and three case studies, giving for each the required action and a summary. Sources of further information are listed.
13 references
Subject terms:
medication, mental health care, mental health law, mental health problems, mental health services, standards, drug misuse, dual diagnosis;
FOSTER Kate, et al, GREAT BRITAIN. Office of Population Censuses and Surveys
Publisher:
HMSO
Publication year:
1996
Pagination:
84p.,tables.
Place of publication:
London
Report investigating the circumstances of adults with mental health problems living in households rather than hospitals or hostels. Aims to identify characteristics associated with different aspects of their functioning and circumstances. Looks at: medication; use of services; activities of daily living; economic activity and finances; social functioning; and use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
Report investigating the circumstances of adults with mental health problems living in households rather than hospitals or hostels. Aims to identify characteristics associated with different aspects of their functioning and circumstances. Looks at: medication; use of services; activities of daily living; economic activity and finances; social functioning; and use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
Subject terms:
income, medication, mental health problems, social networks, statistical methods, activities of daily living, alcohol misuse, community care, drug misuse;
Content type:
government publication
Series name:
(Surveys of psychiatric morbidity in Great Britain; report 8)
Practical information on which mental health problems are affected by the use of medication, which drugs to use and when, how the medication works, common dosages, and side effects. Looks at drug use for relieving depression, anxiety disorders, managing schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorders. Includes a section on using medication to help cure drug addiction and alcoholism.
Practical information on which mental health problems are affected by the use of medication, which drugs to use and when, how the medication works, common dosages, and side effects. Looks at drug use for relieving depression, anxiety disorders, managing schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorders. Includes a section on using medication to help cure drug addiction and alcoholism.
Subject terms:
medication, mental health problems, obsessive compulsive disorders, schizophrenia, severe mental health problems, alcohol misuse, anxiety, conduct disorders, depression, drug misuse;
The data covered in this report come from two sources: a survey which was carried out in 2000 and is a repeat of an earlier survey of adults living in private households, and a supplementary sample of people with psychosis identified through GP records held on the General Practice Rsearch Database. Overall, 91% of this sample of people with a psychotic illness were receiving some form of treatment, either medication or some form of counselling or therapy. Over half of this sample of people with psychotic disorder (56%) reported difficulties with one or more activities of daily living (ADL). Most of these (49% of the whole sample) said that they needed help to overcome at least one of these difficulties. In this sample of people with a psychotic disorder, a very high proportion of people, 70%, were economically inactive. Just over a quarter (27%) were in paid employment, half of them full time and half part time. A large proportion of this sample of people with a psychotic illness were, or had been, smokers. Among this sample, 27% of respondents had an AUDIT score of 8 or more, that is, they were found to have a hazardous level of drinking in the year before interview. Over two-thirds (70%) of this sample of people with a psychotic illness had thought about suicide at some time in their lives and 45% had attempted suicide. In addition, 21% had harmed themselves without intending to commit suicide.
The data covered in this report come from two sources: a survey which was carried out in 2000 and is a repeat of an earlier survey of adults living in private households, and a supplementary sample of people with psychosis identified through GP records held on the General Practice Rsearch Database. Overall, 91% of this sample of people with a psychotic illness were receiving some form of treatment, either medication or some form of counselling or therapy. Over half of this sample of people with psychotic disorder (56%) reported difficulties with one or more activities of daily living (ADL). Most of these (49% of the whole sample) said that they needed help to overcome at least one of these difficulties. In this sample of people with a psychotic disorder, a very high proportion of people, 70%, were economically inactive. Just over a quarter (27%) were in paid employment, half of them full time and half part time. A large proportion of this sample of people with a psychotic illness were, or had been, smokers. Among this sample, 27% of respondents had an AUDIT score of 8 or more, that is, they were found to have a hazardous level of drinking in the year before interview. Over two-thirds (70%) of this sample of people with a psychotic illness had thought about suicide at some time in their lives and 45% had attempted suicide. In addition, 21% had harmed themselves without intending to commit suicide.
Subject terms:
income, medication, mental health problems, self-harm, severe mental health problems, social networks, smoking, suicide, statistical methods, activities of daily living, alcohol misuse, attempted suicide, community care, drug misuse;
BLOW Frederick C., OSLIN David W., BARRY Kristen L.
Journal article citation:
Generations, 26(1), Spring 2002, pp.50-58.
Publisher:
American Society on Aging
Misuse of illicit drugs and psychoactive medication, as well as alcohol cause problems among older people, but to a lesser extent. These substances have particular effects on older people who are especially vulnerable to them. This article argues that clinicians and researchers must change the way they think about the risks of use of these substances by this segment of the population.
Misuse of illicit drugs and psychoactive medication, as well as alcohol cause problems among older people, but to a lesser extent. These substances have particular effects on older people who are especially vulnerable to them. This article argues that clinicians and researchers must change the way they think about the risks of use of these substances by this segment of the population.
Subject terms:
medication, mental health problems, older people, substance misuse, treatment, therapy and treatment, vulnerable adults, alcohol misuse, diagnosis, drug misuse, dual diagnosis;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 175, September 1999, pp.277-282.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
This study examines suicide trends among registered addicts in the UK over a 25-year period. The findings confirm that addicts are still at higher risk of suicide than the general population and that prescribed drugs, notably antidepressants and methadone, influence this heightened risk. Multidisciplinary assessment of drug addicts should include suicide risk.
This study examines suicide trends among registered addicts in the UK over a 25-year period. The findings confirm that addicts are still at higher risk of suicide than the general population and that prescribed drugs, notably antidepressants and methadone, influence this heightened risk. Multidisciplinary assessment of drug addicts should include suicide risk.
Subject terms:
interagency cooperation, medication, mental health, mental health problems, risk, risk assessment, substance misuse, suicide, treatment, therapy and treatment, assessment, depression, drug misuse;