Dual Disorders Research Program
Investigator
Kathleen J. Farkas, Ph.D.
Funding Source
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Start/End Date
July 2002 to June 2007
Description
The objective of this pilot study is to contribute to the understanding of how social support,
personal characteristics, and exposure to violence/abuse history influence barriers to treatment,
readiness for change, and treatment eagerness in jailed women with co-occurring substance abuse and
mental disorders. The pilot study provides information about a subset of dually diagnosed women,
those who have generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and/or major
depression/dysthymia as well as a substance abuse disorder. The study has three specific aims:
- To describe the extent of co-occurring substance abuse and generalized anxiety disorder,
posttraumatic stress disorder, and/or major depression/dysthymia in a sample of jailed women
- To evaluate perceived barriers to substance abuse treatment and to mental health treatment in a
sample of jailed women with co-occurring substance abuse disorder and generalized anxiety disorder,
posttraumatic stress disorder, and/or major depression/dysthymia
- To examine the applicability of measures and research strategies with this population in a jail
setting
The sample is drawn from Jail II of the Cuyahoga County Jail, Cleveland, Ohio. Jail II is the
women's facility at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center and it receives women from thirteen
municipalities in the greater Cleveland area. Women with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or women who
are taking medication usually prescribed for thought disorders are excluded from the sample
frame. The study uses a cross-sectional survey design. Data are collected in a face to face interview
with a trained researcher. Measures include the computerized version of the Diagnostic Interview
Schedule (schedules for demographics, generalized anxiety disorder, depression/dysthymia, mania,
post traumatic stress disorder, alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder), the Allen
Barriers to Treatment Scales, SOCRATES, Exposure to Violence Survey, HIV Barriers to Treatment
Scale, and the ISEL (a measure of social support).
Results will guide the development of service strategies to strengthen and increase mental
health and substance abuse services in criminal justice settings and in community re-entry plans.
Study findings will guide the development of a larger, longitudinal research effort to explore the
complexities of barriers to mental health and substance abuse care in jail and in the community for
this population
Research Related Publications:
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