Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

The thesis paper deals with the Double Diagnosis, a condition of co-morbidity between a Psychiatric Disorder, in this case Borderline Personality Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder. The attention was focused on those affected by this condition who are in a state of detention. In fact, the percentage of prisoners suffering from Double Diagnosis is high. This disorder brings together characteristics of both pathologies, becoming very complex, not only to be diagnosed and treated, but also concerning the relationship to be established with these subjects. These are people who needs assistance in many life’s areas. Not only mental and psychological, but also physical, relational and social contexts. They have many difficulties to establish stable and healthy relationships, in creating and maintaining adequate relationships, often have manipulative and aggressive attitudes and they are subjects to a pathological dependence on one or more substances, legal or otherwise, which they cannot do without.
Through an analysis of the scientific literature available on the argument, the way to be able to relate in the most suitable way with these subjects was investigated, in order to be able to help them in all the areas in which they need assistance, protecting their right, as individuals, to health and receipt appropriate care. Furthermore, the importance of care was emphasized, not only within the prison structure, but also to guarantee the continuity of these through adequate territorial services, at the end of the detention. Another aspect that has been investigated is the difficulty on the part of the nurse to manage and create a therapeutic-assistance relationship with these patients due to the complexity of the condition treated and the environment in which they work.