One-year outcome of an integrative inpatient treatment for dual diagnosis patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 4-month dual diagnosis inpatien t treatment program that was based on integrative models for patients with substance use and psychiatric disorders. At intake and at 1-year follow-up, dual diagnosis patients (N = 52) were assessed on housing and subsistence level, substance use and psychiatric symptoms. At 1-year follow-up, dual di agnosis patients reported a higher level of housing and subsistence, and le ss intensive psychiatric symptoms. No change occurred on frequencies of sub stance use. General improvement may occur even if psychotropic substances a re used. Controlled studies are needed on extended inpatient treatment for dual diagnosis patients and outcomes in longer follow-ups. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd.