Comorbidity. Perspectives accross Europe

Interest in the effect of substance misuse on the individual's mental health dates back a few centuries now. Since then the problem has diversified because of the phenomenon of multiple drug use and the higher prevalence of psychotropic drug use. There is now also recognition of the importance of diagnosing and treating mental health related problems. The combination of polysubstance use and dependence, the increasing prevalence of mental health problems and a societal recognition of the potential problematic consequences to the individual is the subject of this monograph. Comorbidity is a condition describing the presence of two or more diagnosable conditions happening, either at the same time or having a close temporal relationship, to the same individual. This is usually more focused on the presence of psychological/psychiatric problems and associated polydrug use and misuse. The monograph tries to identify and clarify some theoretical concepts related to the subject of mental health problems and substance misuse by studying the latest research on comorbidity in a European context. This provides a basis for understanding comorbidity in a holistic manner and allows the opportunity to appreciate the different levels of vulnerability to this condition. The monograph then describes several examples of good practice and approaches to this issue through a description of services in all parts of the European continent. It allows the reader to appreciate the commonalities as well as the differences present in these scenarios and shows that communities may approach comorbidity service provision in different ways but may come up with the same solutions to the problem. (Extract of the publication)