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Mental Health: Dual Diagnoses
Dual Diagnosis describes a condition in which an individual has a mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia) and a co-occurring developmental disability (e.g. autism). An individual with a developmental disability has significantly below average intellectual functioning, which is also accompanied by considerable limitations in their adaptive functioning or life skills. Addressing dually diagnosed homeless persons requires addressing clinical issues, service system issues, legal issues, and housing issues.

Individuals with developmental disabilities are three to four times more likely to develop emotional, behavioral and psychiatric difficulties than the general population. In recognition of the difficulty in attracting and rehabilitating these individuals, programs generally accept the need for a lengthy engagement process that emphasizes outreach, help with basic needs, and slowly building a trusting relationship.

Common program elements include comprehen...sive assessment, intensive case management, supported housing, peer groups for support and therapy, training in independent living skills, and mental health and substance use treatment. Program philosophies typically include acceptance and tolerance of relapses, an emphasis on structured approaches, clear expectations within residential programs, and a commitment to long-term care.

AUTHOR: Power, Asetha (2008) Homeless Hub. [Show More][Show Less]


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A Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN) initiative. The CHRN has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada