A comparison of treatment outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder alone and individuals with probable dual diagnosis

The co-occurrence of substance use and mental health problems, often referred to as dual diagnosis (DD), is increasingly recognised as commonplace within substance abuse treatment programs. Two-hundred and thirty-four individuals from 9 Australian Salvation Army drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs completed a 3-month post-discharge telephone follow-up. Using a cut-off score from the Psychiatric Subscale of the Addiction Severity Index (5th ed.), 66.7% were classified as likely to have DD and 33.3% as substance use disorder only (SUD). Both groups reported comparable and decreased substance use levels at follow-up, yet DD individuals perceived less improvement in substance use problems. Comparable improvements were reported in the areas of: symptom distress and recovery from symptoms. This was despite greater scope for improvement in individuals with DD. Duration of treatment and access to post treatment services were also assessed. Understanding factors effecting treatment outcomes is imperative for the implementation of effective, evidence based treatment programs

Understanding high-functioning autism during adolescence: A personal construct theory approach

Background: Personal construct theory (PCT) is a constructivist approach to understanding human thought and action. Preliminary research focusing on applying PCT concepts and methodologies to understanding individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) has suggested its utility for both research and clinical interventions. The developmental period of adolescence has also been outlined according to PCT. However, PCT has not been applied to the more specific subgroup of adolescents with HFA, despite various theoretical tenets suggesting its utility. Conclusions: In addressing this research gap, we considered the following adolescent developmental tasks with particular reference to adolescents with HFA: (a) functioning within the increasingly complex world of adulthood, (b) identity development, and (c) development of higher order processing styles (including abstract thinking and flexible processing). These issues were described using PCT concepts. Finally, we considered ways to support individuals and families living with adolescents with HFA

Understanding high-functioning autism during adolescence: A personal construct theory approach

Background Personal construct theory (PCT) is a constructivist approach to understanding human thought and action. Preliminary research focusing on applying PCT concepts and methodologies to understanding individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) has suggested its utility for both research and clinical interventions. The developmental period of adolescence has also been outlined according to PCT. However, PCT has not been applied to the more specific subgroup of adolescents with HFA, despite various theoretical tenets suggesting its utility. Conclusions In addressing this research gap, we considered the following adolescent developmental tasks with particular reference to adolescents with HFA: (a) functioning within the increasingly complex world of adulthood, (b) identity development, and (c) development of higher order processing styles (including abstract thinking and flexible processing). These issues were described using PCT concepts. Finally, we considered ways to support individuals and families living with adolescents with HFA

The perceptions and experiences of adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder: A personal construct psychology perspective

Background: This study applies personal construct psychology for understanding the experiences of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 participants from 8 families, including adolescent males with ASD, mothers, fathers, and adolescent neurotypically developing siblings. Analysis of interview data was structured according to the themes presented in a previous theoretical application of personal construct theory (PCT) for understanding adolescents with ASD. Results: Themes included complexity of the adolescent social realm, sense-making in multifaceted situations, identity development, development of flexible processing styles, and understanding and managing physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. Conclusion: The study provides empirical support for the application of PCT for understanding adolescents with ASD. The insights provided by the participants may be helpful for adolescents with ASD, family members, and clinicians

Family-focused autism spectrum disorder research: A review of the utility of family systems approaches

A family member with an autism spectrum disorder presents pervasive and bidirectional influences on the entire family system, suggesting a need for family-focused autism spectrum disorder research. While there has been increasing interest in this research area, family-focused autism spectrum disorder research can still be considered relatively recent, and there are limitations to the existing literature. The purpose of this article is to provide theoretical and methodological directions for future family-focused autism spectrum disorder research. In particular, this article proposes Family Systems approaches as a common theoretical framework for future family-focused autism spectrum disorder research by considering theoretical concepts such as Boundaries, Ambiguous Loss, Resilience and Traumatic Growth. We discuss reasons why these concepts are important to researching families living with autism spectrum disorder and provide recommendations for future research. The potential for research grounded in Family Systems approaches to influence clinical support services is also discussed