Psychosis with Coexisting Substance Misuse: Assessment and Management in Adults and Young People

Excerpt

This clinical guideline covers the assessment and management of adults and young people (aged 14 years and older) who have a clinical diagnosis of psychosis (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other affective psychosis) and coexisting substance misuse (harmful use of any psychotropic substance including alcohol and legal or illicit drugs).

Around 40% of people experiencing psychosis also misuse substances at some point in their lives, which can lead to serious health and social problems for the person and complicate their treatment.

Although separate NICE guidelines have been developed for the management of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and drug and alcohol misuse, the importance of this new guideline on psychosis and substance misuse is that it offers advice on how to integrate treatment for people with these commonly coexisting conditions.

The guideline includes comprehensive reviews of assessment, care pathways and service delivery models, psychological and pharmacological interventions for both conditions, and treatment and services for young people. There is also an extensive review of the experience of care.