A family intervention program for dual disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a rationale for working with families of clients with psychiatric and substance use disorder, and to describe a new program, family intervention for dual disorders (FIDD).


METHODS
We developed and manualized the FIDD program, which includes both single-family and multiple-family group formats. We trained several clinicians at a local mental health center in the model and conducted a small pilot study.


RESULTS
Clinicians were able to implement the program, and to successfully engage families in treatment. Most clients demonstrated significant improvements in substance abuse over one to two years of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The FIDD program is feasible and appears to promote collaboration between families and professionals, thereby improving the course of dual disorders. Controlled research is underway to evaluate the effects of the FIDD program on client and family outcomes.
Mueser
Kim T
KT
Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, New Hampshire-Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, Concord 03301, USA. kim.t.mueser@dartmouth.edu
Fox
Lindy
L
D000328:Adult; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005196:Family Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000458:organization & administration; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States