Mental illness-mental retardation in the United States: policy and treatment challenges

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of current trends in the field of dual diagnosis in the United States. Policy, programme, diagnostic and treatment issues are reviewed. The paper will examine the effects of the social policy of deinstitutionalization on people who have a dual diagnosis and will offer policy ideas for ameliorating some of the significant obstacles facing this population. Exemplary programme models are briefly discussed to illustrate the development of effective services. The challenges of assessing psychopathology in people with mental retardation are addressed. Several therapy and treatment modalities that have proven to be effective with people who have a dual diagnosis are also discussed. Lastly, this paper mentions a new community ideology driven by the values of consumers choice and satisfaction.