Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AS20022 Dual diagnosis and complex needs |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 at Action on Addiction |
| Assessment: CW 50%, PF 50% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: People with serious mental illness are particularly vulnerable to substance misuse. This unit aims to help students understand this vulnerability and provide the therapeutic skills appropriate for assisting this client group with their problems by;
* exploring the core features of serious mental illness and co-morbid substance use * examining the interventions and clinical skills pertinent to this client group. * analysing the current evidence base for the concept of dual-diagnosis. Learning Outcomes: Having completed this Unit, students will be able to: * Make reasonable preliminary judgements about whether individuals are exhibiting behaviour(s) consistent with co-existing psychoactive substance use and mental health problems. * Understand how counselling approach and style need to be modified in order to engage, support and motivate clients with co-existing mental health problems. * Evaluate the suitability of interventions to meet an individual's identified needs, and to help dually diagnosed clients to use existing resources. * Apply the basic concepts and tools of Cognitive Analytic Therapy to enhance their clinical work with people with complex needs. Skills: * the use of appropriate counselling skills for this client group * formulating a realistic treatment plan for a client with co-morbid disorders * observing and giving pertinent feedback on a demonstration interview * carrying out screening interviews for dual diagnosis with clients in their placement agencies * essay research, preparation and writing * the use of IT to find, communicate and manage information. Content: * Clinical features of common mental disorders * Towards a definition of Dual Diagnosis * Prevalence of mental illness in substance using populations * Relationships of co-morbid disorders * Practical implications and essential components of treatment * Reformulation of Personality Disorder - Multiple Self-States Model * Practicum - case scenarios with workplace simulations. |