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Review
. 2019 Jan 1;40(1):arcr.v40.1.07.
doi: 10.35946/arcr.v40.1.07. eCollection 2019 Oct 24.

Integrating Treatment for Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Amy M Yule  1 , John F Kelly  1
Affiliations
Review

Integrating Treatment for Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Amy M Yule et al. Alcohol Res. .

Abstract

Given the high co-occurrence between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mental health conditions (MHCs), and the increased morbidity associated with the presence of co-occurring disorders, it is important that co-occurring disorders be identified and both disorders addressed in integrated treatment. Tremendous heterogeneity exists among individuals with co-occurring conditions, and factors related to both AUD and MHCs, including symptom type and acuity, illness severity, the chronicity of symptoms, and recovery capital, should be considered when recommending treatment interventions. This article reviews the prevalence of co-occurring AUD and MHCs, screening tools to identify individuals with symptoms of AUD and MHCs, and subsequent assessment of co-occurring disorders. Types of integrated treatment and current challenges to integrate treatment for co-occurring disorders effectively are reviewed. Innovative uses of technology to improve education on co-occurring disorders and treatment delivery are also discussed. Systemic challenges exist to providing integrated treatment in all treatment settings, and continued research is needed to determine ways to improve access to treatment.

Keywords: alcohol use disorder; integrated treatment; mental health condition; screening; treatment setting.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial Disclosure Dr. Yule was a consultant to the Phoenix House from 2015 to 2017 and currently is a clinical services consultant to the Gavin House.

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