Departmental Journals
Journal of Dual Diagnosis
The Journal of Dual Diagnosis (JDD - also with subtitle "research and practice in substance abuse comorbidity') is a quarterly, peer-reviewed international Journal that publishes all research of relevance to the comorbidity of drug and alcohol substance abuse disorders with psychiatric disorders. The anticipated readership is that of clinicians, research neuroscientists, mental health services researchers, and mental health trainees whose interest is in the specialty topic of substance abuse comorbidity. The Journal may also be of interest to health service administrators who oversee dual diagnosis services.
Goals and Purpose
The Journal's goals are (1) to publish original scientific contributions relevant to the field of substance abuse comorbidity in mental health, (2) to provide current information on trends in research and clinical practice in dual diagnosis, (3) to illuminate 'Best Practices' and recovery experiences in dual diagnosis treatment programs internationally, and (4) to foster career interest in dual diagnosis among mental health trainees.
Professional Need
Substance abuse comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders is a common and difficult-to-treat complication in mental health systems of care. According to findings from the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 23 percent of adults suffering from serious mental illness in the U.S. were dependant on or abused alcohol or illicit drugs. By contrast, the rate of abuse (dependence among adults without serious mental illness was 8.2 percent. Among adults with substance abuse or dependence, 20.4 percent also had a serious mental illness. These figures underscore the high co-occurance of substance abuse comorbidity with other mental disorders. Moreover, these comorbidities exert devastating effects on patients and their relatives since they are associated with long-term disability and impairment, heightened mortality, and increased risk of suicidal and violent behaviors. Such comorbidities, despite their substantial importance, have been relatively under-researched. In recent years, these comorbidities have become a focus of neurobiologic, treatment, and health services research. There has been a paralleled growth in new initiatives in this field and internationally several centers of excellence are now conducting research on the interface between substance abuse and mental disorders. Governmental and other agencies are dedicating increasing resources toward this area of research. The availability of a journal specific to dual diagnosis is, therefore, timely now because of the increasing recognition and professional interest in this topic, the recent growth in governmental and other funding sources to promote new research, and because of the impact of dual diagnosis upon comprehensive disease management.
Benefit to Readers
The diversity of interests in dual diagnosis (e.g. neurobiological focus, treatment focus, etc.) among researchers and clinicians, allied with an all-too-often schism between addiction and mental health services, has resulted in a broad and rather ill defined array of Journals which are conduits for the publication of topics on dual diagnosis. Publications appear in a constellation of general mental health journals, as well as specialty journals on addictions. There is no specialized journal on dual diagnosis, encompassing basic mechanisms, clinical and therapeutic aspects of substance abuse comorbidity with mental disorders. Readers and potential contributors will benefit in having a high quality, international outlet for publications on this important topic. Additionally, since the Journal has the goal of disseminating information on research and practice trends in substance abuse comorbidity, readers will have ready access to key information to support their research and their clinical interests. It is also intended that the journals will provide an opportunity for junior colleagues in training to learn about this field, as well as to stimulate their interest in contributing as an original publication in the Journal. Each year, the Journal will provide an award (to support attendance at a relevant international conference) for the best, lead-author contribution by a trainee which appears as a regular article in the Journal. This article and the recipient of the award will be chosen by members of the Editorial Board.
Difference from other Competing Journals
As stated, there is no specialty Journal focusing on basic mechanisms, clinical and therapeutic aspects of dual diagnosis. This is the major hallmark distinguishing the Journal of Dual Diagnosis from other competing journals. Moreover, because of this specialty focus, the Journal is dedicated to providing the latest information on the direction of research, funding sources, new therapeutic and health services initiatives relevant to the field of dual diagnosis. This is another major different between the Journal of Dual Diagnosis and other competing journals.
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Clinical Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses
Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses (CS) is a peer-reviewed quarterly journal providing psychiatrists and other physicians and healthcare professionals with clinical information relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. CS provides psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals with the latest research and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and related psychoses. CS is a practice-oriented publication covering the latest research, clinical trials, case reports, and treatment advances relevant to the complete treatment of people suffering from schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses.
Types of Articles
Original Contributions - presents results of original clinical research that are relevant to the treatment.
Case Reports - describes treatment or outcome of a single case or a small series of cases. Case reports focus on important clinical situations, unusual clinical phenomena, new treatments, and new complications.
Comprehensive Reviews - descriptions and evaluations of prior publications of key clinical subjects related to schizophrenia and related psychoses; includes analysis and conclusions.
Current Clinical Trials - descriptions of current ongoing clinical trials, including rationale, enrollment criteria, treatment plans, and anticipated results.
Translational Medicine - presents basic research that has clinical applications. Coverage includes a description of the development of the basic research and a presentation of the basic research data, as well as data obtained from human samples or patients. An analysis of the implication of the research regarding treatment of schizophrenia and related psychoses will be included.
Clinical Concepts, News and Commentary - news that warrants quick dissemination focusing on new developments, clinical issues that are new or controversial, important news from recent national and international meetings, and brief book reviews.
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