Comorbidity of mental disorders and substance use: a brief guide for the primary care clinician
2.6 Referral
Table of contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Preface
- Introduction
1. Levels of evidence
2. Management of people with comorbidity of mental disorders and substance use- 3. The common drug groups
- 4. Tobacco
- 5. Depression and substance use
- 6. Anxiety disorders and substance use
- 7. Psychosis (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and substance use
- 8. Personality disorders and substance use
- 9. Eating disorders and substance use
- 10. Somatoform disorders and substance use
- 11. Gambling and substance use
- 12. Brain injury, mental disorders and substance use
- 13. Bibliography
- 14. Appendices
People with comorbid mental disorders and substance use frequently need care from several different disciplines. It is important that communication between all clinicians and service providers is coordinated.
The use of a care plan in these instances is advisable.
Consider referral when:
- Self-harm risk or risk to others is present.
- Acute exacerbation of mental disorder occurs.
- Drug dependence with major associated problems (legal, health, social) is present.
- Complicated detoxification is anticipated.
