Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention for Clients Dually Diagnosed with Psychosis: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Psychotic disorders have long been associated with inflated rates of co-occurring substance use disorders, termed dual diagnosis. Substance use has devastating effects on symptom severity, healthcare costs, and long term outcomes in this already at risk population. Although there has been great success in developing programs with coordinated care, there has been some delay in cultivating psychosocial interventions that address both disorders in a cohesive manner. Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) may fill the treatment gap for dually diagnosed clients. The use of mindfulness strategies for psychosis has shown positive effects in the reduction of anxiety, hospitalizations, experiential avoidance, and distress surrounding psychotic symptoms. Similarly, the use of mindfulness is gaining momentum in the treatment of substance use. A fusion of mindfulness techniques and Relapse Prevention, MBRP provides a wide lens from which to view the complexities of concurrent disorders, providing a common skill set. In this thesis, evidence for the use of MBRP for clients who are dually diagnosed with psychotic disorders is reviewed.