[The problems of dual-diagnosis patients and the value of integrated therapy: a look at the effectiveness of group therapy methods for dually diagnosed patients].
In order to compare the prevalence and problems of dual- diagnosis patients in Japan with those in other countries, previous studies are reviewed in this article. Following this, our investigation into the prevalence and situations of severe psychiatric patients with co-occurring substance abuse/dependence at Narimasu-kousei hospital is described. In addition, this discussion necessitates a review of integrated therapy, which is especially recommended for dually diagnosed patients. Finally, the group therapies conducted in our hospital employing integrated therapy for dually diagnosed patients are illustrated, examining the effectiveness of the methods.


OBJECTIVE
Dually diagnosed inpatients in the chronic psychiatric ward at Narimasu-kousei Hospital.


METHODS
(1) A small, short-term group therapy for two alcoholics with co-morbid other psychiatric disorders were conducted to give them individualized psycho-educational intervention and opportunities for mutual support. (2) Five dually diagnosed inpatients were introduced to an AA 12 step group running in the hospital through motivational interviewing to improve their knowledge of alcohol dependency.


RESULTS
Patients have gained a degree of perception and recognition regarding their alcohol dependency and have decided to stop drinking. They have also shown some degree of recognition and realization concerning the anger felt by their family members towards them. Some patients have convinced family members through the improvements in their attitude to help in having them discharged from the hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Group therapy is an effective treatment method for dually diagnosed patients when considerations of their needs and limitations are taken into account.
Gotoh
Megumi
M
Narimasu-kousei Hospital, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 175-0091, Japan.
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*