Cited by 4Substance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesMental Health Treatment and AccessOpioid Use Disorder Treatment

Comorbidity in Detoxification: Symptom interaction and treatment intentions

Open access
Vella, Veronica E., Deane, Frank P., Kelly, Peter J.·2015·Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract

Co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (CODs) are common. However, very little is known about individuals' recognition of, and perception of the relationship between these disorders. The current study aimed to examine problem recognition, perceived disorder relationships, treatment intentions, and treatment preferences of individuals attending Australian detoxification facilities. Questionnaires were completed by 225 participants, including the Mental Health Screening Form III and the Treatment Preferences Questionnaire. Results indicated that 56.4% of participants screened positive for CODs, with only 4.2% failing to recognise their mental health problems. Participants perceived a functional relationship between disorders, where improvement/deterioration of one disorder leads to the improvement/deterioration of the other. Recognition of mental health problems and perception of a functional relationship between disorders, predict high mental health treatment intentions. These findings have important clinical implications when planning treatment programs and counselling individuals with CODs. © 2015 Elsevier Inc.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.07.016

Cites

40 of 40 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

5 tests recomputed · 0 with the reported and recomputed p on opposite sides of .05

Claims the paper makes

2 of 67 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    An Australian study found that 64 to 71% of individuals attending a residential substance use treatment facility screened positive for co-occurring disorders.

    “In line with this, an Australian study found that 64 to 71% of individuals attending a residential substance use treatment facility screened positive for CODs (Mortlock, Deane, & Crowe, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Mortlock, Deane, & Crowe, 2011 source
  • Study design and conductcitation

    A review of more than 150 screening tools found the MHSF-III to be one of the three best performing measures in identifying overall need for follow up treatment.

    “Furthermore, a review of more than 150 screening tools found the MHSF-III to be one of the three best performing measures in identifying overall need for follow up treatment (Sacks et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sacks et al., 2007 source

      The Method section says more than 150 instruments were considered and the MHSF was one of three selected for field testing; the Results and Discussion report that it performed well at identifying mental disorders in the pilot study. The paper does not rank it among the three best-performing measures across all 150-plus instruments, and it assesses the need for further diagnostic evaluation and services rather than follow-up treatment itself. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    The predictors in the mental health treatment intentions model accounted for only 12.0% of the variance (Nagelkerke's R2).

    “Although significant, the Nagelkerke's R 2 indicated that the predictors accounted for only 12.0% of the variance in high treatment seeking intentions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    More participants recognised having a mental health problem than screened positive for a current mental health disorder using the MHSF-III.

    “in fact, more participants recognised having a mental health problem than screened positive for a current mental health disorder using the MHSF-III.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Screening positive on the MHSF-III indicates a current mental health disorder.
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-reported recognition of mental health problems and perceived disorder relationships are accurate.
  • Findingown data

    A high percentage (85.3%) of participants recognised having a mental health problem.

    “A high percentage (85.3%) of participants recognised having a mental health problem”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Participants' self-reported recognition of mental health problems and perceived disorder relationships are accurate.
  • May combine two claims. 21
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 14
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For AOD treatment intentions, the full model was not statistically significant, indicating the predictors do not reliably distinguish participants with high from low AOD treatment intentions.

    “For AOD treatment intentions, a test of the full model against a constant only model was not statistically significant, indicating that the predictors do not reliably distinguish those with high AOD treatment intentions from those with low AOD treatment intentions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Participants who recognised a stronger relationship between disorders were 2.09 times more likely to have high mental health treatment intentions than those who recognised a weaker or no relationship between disorders.

    “Furthermore, the results of the current study indicate that recognition of mental health problems and the perception of a functional relationship between disorders significantly predict high mental health treatment intentions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There appears to be a stronger relationship between worsening features of one disorder in relation to the other (approximately 75%), compared to improving features of one disorder in relation to the other (approximately 52%).

    “There appears to be a stronger relationship between worsening features of one disorder in relation to the other (approximately 75%), compared to improving features of one disorder in relation to the other (approximately 52%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The overall model predicting high mental health treatment intentions was 67.0% accurate, with 86.8% accuracy for high intentions and 43.2% accuracy for low intentions.

    “The overall model was 67.0% accurate, being able to predict high mental health treatment intentions with 86.8% accuracy and those with low mental health treatment intentions with 43.2% accuracy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The majority of participants endorsed a preference to seek concurrent treatment for drug/alcohol use and mental health symptoms (50.7%), followed by working on drug/alcohol use first and later mental health treatment (27.9%) and working on drug/alcohol use only (14.4%).

    “The majority of participants endorsed a preference to seek concurrent treatment for drug/alcohol use and mental health symptoms (50.7%), followed by working on drug/alcohol use first and later mental health treatment (27.9%) and working on drug/alcohol use only (14.4%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    111 (49.3%) had high mental health treatment intentions and 144 (64.0%) had high drug and/or alcohol treatment intentions.

    “Of all participants, 111 (49.3%) had high mental health treatment intentions and 144 (64.0%) had high drug and/or alcohol treatment intentions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There was a significant association between a previous mental health diagnosis and recognition of a current mental health problem, with 57.1% of those with a previous diagnosis indicating that they had a current mental health problem, compared to 28.1% of those without a previous diagnosis.

    “There was a significant association between a previous mental health diagnosis and recognition of a current mental health problem, with 57.1% of those with a previous diagnosis indicating that they had a current mental health problem, compared to 28.1% of those without a previous diagnosis (see Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only 3.7% of participants in the present study indicated a preference for mental health treatment first, followed by drug and/or alcohol treatment, compared to up to 23.0% in previous studies.

    “Only 3.7% of participants in the present study, compared to up to 23.0% of participants in previous studies (Back et al., 2006;Brown et al., 1998), indicated a preference for mental health treatment first, followed by drug and/or alcohol treatment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Back et al., 2006 source
    • cites Brown et al., 1998 source
    • Rests on an assumption: The TPQ is a valid measure of treatment preferences.
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Concurrent AOD treatment and mental health treatment were the most commonly endorsed treatment modality and were associated with perceived disorder relationship.

    “Concurrent AOD treatment and mental health treatment were the most commonly endorsed treatment modality and were associated with perceived disorder relationship.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Individuals with co-occurring mental disorders and substance use disorders experience increased symptomatology, poorer treatment outcomes, and worse prognosis across both disorders compared to individuals with substance use disorders only.

    “Individuals with co-occurring mental disorders and substance use disorders experience increased symptomatology, poorer treatment outcomes, and worse prognosis across both disorders when compared to individuals with substance use disorders only (Myrick & Brady, 2003).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Myrick & Brady, 2003 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Among alcohol and other drug treatment seeking populations, lifetime prevalence of a mental health disorder is between 50 and 75%.

    “Among alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment seeking populations, lifetime prevalence of a mental health disorder is between 50 and 75% (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Over a 12-month period, 63% of Australians who misuse drugs nearly every day have a mental disorder, compared to 20% of the overall Australian population.

    “According to epidemiological research, over a 12 month period 63% of Australians who misuse drugs nearly every day have a mental disorder, compared to 20% of the overall Australian population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Epidemiological and clinical research has consistently demonstrated the frequent co-occurrence of mental disorders and substance use disorders.

    “Epidemiological and clinical research has consistently demonstrated the frequent co-occurrence of mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs; Davidson & White, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Davidson & White, 2007 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rates of individuals who screen positive for co-occurring disorders within AOD detoxification settings are higher than other treatment settings, with rates between 80 and 83% reported from the Netherlands and the USA.

    “Rates of individuals who screen positive for CODs within AOD detoxification settings are higher than other treatment settings, with rates between 80 and 83% reported from the Netherlands (Hendriks, 1990) and the USA (Johnson, Brems, Mills, & Fisher, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Hendriks, 1990 source
    • cites Johnson, Brems, Mills, & Fisher, 2007 source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    A major function of detoxification is to provide individuals with the opportunity to link with further treatment.

    “A major function of detoxification is to provide individuals with the opportunity to link with further treatment (McLellan, 2003).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McLellan, 2003 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premiseown data

    Analysis of four intentions items used by Wang et al. (2012) indicated ceiling effects with extremely high intentions (M=6.36 out of 7) and a high Cronbach's alpha suggesting item redundancy (Cronbach's α=.92, n=165).

    “Analysis of four intentions items used by Wang et al. (2012) indicated ceiling effects with extremely high intentions (M = 6.36 out of 7) and a high Cronbach's alpha suggesting item redundancy (Cronbach's α = .92,n = 165).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wang et al., 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    These perceptions are associated with their hypothetical treatment preferences.

    “Furthermore, these perceptions are associated with their hypothetical treatment preferences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Back et al., 2006 source
    • cites Brown et al., 1998 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    According to Rachman (1991), knowledge of the functional relationship between mental health disorders and substance use disorders is of crucial importance in promoting service providers' understanding of the two disorders.

    “According to Rachman (1991), knowledge of the functional relationship between mental health disorders and substance use disorders is of crucial importance in promoting service providers' understanding of the two disorders.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rachman, 1991 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premiseown data

    Thirty percent of participants endorsed a preference for sequential treatment for substance use first, then PTSD treatment and the remaining 20% endorsed a preference for sequential treatment for PTSD first, then substance use treatment.

    “Thirty percent of participants endorsed a preference for sequential treatment for substance use first, then PTSD treatment and the remaining 20% endorsed a preference for sequential treatment for PTSD first, then substance use treatment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Back et al., 2006 source
    • cites Brown et al., 1998 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    There were small amounts of missing data for some variables so that sample sizes may vary slightly for some analyses (range n=204 to N=225).

    “There were small amounts of missing data for some variables so that sample sizes may vary slightly for some analyses (range n = 204 to N = 225).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The treatment intentions items were highly skewed, therefore non-parametric tests were used to analyse these items.

    “The treatment intentions items were highly skewed, therefore non-parametric tests were used to analyse these items.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    A cut off score of 6 on the MHSF-III was utilised to indicate the likely presence of a mental disorder; this cut off has been found to be the most accurate against structured clinical diagnostic interviews with sensitivity of 96.5%, specificity of 38.7% and accuracy of 67.6%.

    “A cut off score of 6 on the MHSF-III was utilised to indicate the likely presence of a mental disorder.This cut off has been found to be the most accurate against structured clinical diagnostic interviews with sensitivity of 96.5%, specificity of 38.7% and accuracy of 67.6% (Mortlock, Deane, & Crowe, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Mortlock, Deane, & Crowe, 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All participants provided informed consent and the study protocols were reviewed and approved by the University of Wollongong Human Research Ethics Committee.

    “All participants provided informed consent and the study protocols were reviewed and approved by the University of Wollongong Human Research Ethics Committee.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Assumptions were checked for all tests and assumptions were met.

    “Assumptions were checked for all tests and assumptions were met.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In the first study, the interaction between co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders among 42 individuals attending an inpatient detoxification facility was investigated.

    “In the first, the interaction between co-occurring PTSD and SUDs among 42 individuals attending an inpatient detoxification facility was investigated (Brown, Stout, & Gannon-Rowley, 1998).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brown, Stout, & Gannon-Rowley, 1998 source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The current study utilised a screening measure to collect information about mental health disorders, rather than actual diagnosis.

    “Furthermore, the current study utilised a screening measure to collect information about mental health disorders, rather than actual diagnosis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Only 4.2% of participants who screened positive for a mental health disorder did not recognise having a mental health problem, so it was not possible to explore the hypothesis that treatment intentions of this group would differ from those who screened positive and recognised having mental health problems.

    “Given only 4.2% of participants who screened positive for a mental health disorder did not recognise having a mental health problem, it was not possible to explore the hypothesis that the treatment intentions of this group would differ to those who screened positive and recognised having mental health problems.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Information was not collected on non-participants, which precluded a comparison of those who did and did not participate.

    “Finally, information was not collected on non-participants, which precluded a comparison of those who did and did not participate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    This problem is not unique to Australia and has been well documented in the United Kingdom and North America.

    “This problem is not unique to Australia and has been well documented in the United Kingdom and North America (Graham et al., 2003;Lesage et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Graham et al., 2003

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Lesage et al., 2008 source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The self-medication hypothesis posits that AOD use develops from attempts to alleviate symptoms of mental illness.

    “This finding is in line with the self-medication hypothesis, which posits that AOD use develops from attempts to alleviate symptoms of mental illness (Cooper, Frone, Russell, & Mudar, 1995;Khantzian, 1997).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Cooper, Frone, Russell, & Mudar, 1995 source
    • cites Khantzian, 1997 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Study design and conductnone given

    There is a need for further psychometric validation of the TPQ that was used in this and other studies.

    “In addition, there is a need for further psychometric validation of the TPQ that was used in this and other studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The study was conducted in two detoxification facilities in Queensland, Australia, so the findings may not be generalisable to other states or internationally.

    “Firstly, the study was conducted in two detoxification facilities in Queensland, Australia so the findings may therefore not be generalisable to other states or internationally.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
32 of 32
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Prior to the present study, mental health screening for co-occurring disorders among Australian AOD detoxification facilities has not been conducted.

    “Prior to the present study, mental health screening for CODs among Australian AOD detoxification facilities has not been conducted.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is a lack of research exploring problem perception among individuals with co-occurring disorders.

    “However, there is a lack of research exploring problem perception among individuals with CODs.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    It is unclear whether individuals within detoxification settings recognise their co-occurring mental health problems.

    “Individuals within detoxification settings have demonstrated recognition of their substance use problems, however, it is unclear whether they recognise their co-occurring mental health problems.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In order to recognise a problem, the individual must firstly have an understanding of personal symptomatology.

    “In order to recognise a problem, the individual must firstly have an understanding of personal symptomatology.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    One reason for low treatment seeking following detoxification is likely to be problem recognition.

    “One reason for low treatment seeking following detoxification is likely to be problem recognition.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Many individuals fail to transition into further mental health treatment.

    “Despite detoxification being an ineffective stand-alone treatment for SUDs or CODs (Blondell, Smith, Canfield, & Servoss, 2006;Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1995;Mattick & Hall, 1996), many individuals fail to transition into further mental health treatment.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is a need to broaden our understanding of these relationships beyond PTSD as the specified comorbid mental disorder because individuals entering services present with a wider range of mental health disorders.

    “However, there is a need to broaden our understanding of these relationships beyond PTSD as the specified comorbid mental disorder because individuals entering services present with a wider range of mental health disorders.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Treatment intentions are a valid proxy for actual treatment-seeking behavior.

    “Given the current study only looked at intentions to seek further treatment, it is suggested the study be replicated to include analysis of actual treatment attendance.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Screening positive on the MHSF-III indicates a current mental health disorder.

    “A high rate (56.5%) of individuals attending Australian detoxification settings screened positive for cooccurring mental health disorders.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The TPQ is a valid measure of treatment preferences.

    “In addition, there is a need for further psychometric validation of the TPQ that was used in this and other studies.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Participants' self-reported recognition of mental health problems and perceived disorder relationships are accurate.

    “Participants perceived a functional relationship between their CODs in the expected direction.”
11 of 11

Statistics that don’t add up

Each reported p-value recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom.

  • Inconsistent p-value: χ 2 (1) = 0.61, p = .45

    Minor

    The paper reports p = .45 here; recomputing from the test statistic and its degrees of freedom gives p = .435. The check cannot tell whether the statistic or the p-value is the misprint.

    Reported p = .45 · recomputed p = .435

1 of 1

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • Doesn’t add upχ²(1) = 0.61reported p = .45 · recomputed p = .435

    “χ 2 (1) = 0.61, p = .45”

  • Consistentz = -2.95reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003

    “,z = -2.95,p = .003”

  • Consistentz = -2.46reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .014

    “z = -2.46,p = .01”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 10.37reported p = .001 · recomputed p = .001

    “χ 2 (1) = 10.37, p = .001”

  • Consistentχ²(1) = 5.6reported p = .02 · recomputed p = .018

    “χ 2 (1) = 5.60, p = .02”

5 of 5

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Discussion gives the lifetime screening rate as the problem-recognition rate

    Minor

    The results report 82.7% for problem recognition and 85.3% for ever screening positive. The discussion assigns 85.3% to problem recognition.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

4 of the 44 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Vella, V. E., Deane, F. P., & Kelly, P. J.
Affiliations
University of Wollongong (AU)
Venue
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015-02
Volume
49
Pages
35-42
ISSN
0740-5472 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2120057984
Cited by
4
References
44
Citations by year
2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 1
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Online (University of Wollongong) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Keywords
comorbidities, detoxification, problem identification, symptom interactions, treatment intent, treatment preferences, mental health screening, dual diagnosis
MeSH terms
Adult, Mental Disorders, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Queensland, Comorbidity, Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry), Substance-Related Disorders, Patient Preference

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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