Acceptability of mental health screening in routine addictions treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to investigate patients' views on the application of case finding and screening methods for common mental disorders in an addiction treatment service.


METHODS
Qualitative thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of 19 participants. Participants took part in diagnostic assessments (Revised Clinical Interview Schedule, CIS-R) and completed brief screening questionnaires for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, GAD-7).


RESULTS
Patients generally favored the use of screening questionnaires to detect psychological problems, to monitor changes in symptoms and to facilitate targeted and specialist treatment. On the whole, respondents seemed to find such methods familiar and easy to use. The need for staff support was strongly emphasized, both to deal with the emotional impact of screening and to overcome accessibility and literacy problems. Good therapeutic rapport with practitioners came across as an important factor that influences patients' willingness to discuss psychological problems. Patient readiness and the timeliness of assessments were additional factors influencing acceptability. Participants discussed how psychological problems and substance misuse are associated in complex ways, often resulting in discrimination, poor recognition of such problems and limited access to treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Mental health screening is generally acceptable to patients and can help to identify comorbid mental disorders in order to provide appropriate support and treatment.
Primary Care Mental Health Service, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds LS7 3EX, UK. jaime.delgadillo@nhs.net
Jaime
J
Delgadillo
Stuart
S
Gore
Dawn
D
Jessop
Scott
S
Payne
Paula
P
Singleton
Simon
S
Gilbody
D000328:Adult; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires