Overview of Research Projects

Treatment response of bipolar and depressed alcoholics to an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment programme. (with Sharon McElroy, and Laura Snee)

This project has followed a large number of service users with bipolar disorder and depression with alcohol dependence following an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment programme. This study has completed a baseline evaluation of over 200 service users, with a follow up at 3 months, 6 months, 2 years, and the cohort is now completing a 5 year follow up.

The study has resulted in a number of high impact journal publications, and has been presented at a number of international meetings. It has resulted in improvements being made to the dual diagnosis programme on the basis of the findings of the research, and effectively documents the benefits of specific treatment of this group over many years.

A Study of Over the Counter Opiates (Dr. T Thekiso)

This research project studied the effects of Over the Counter opiates such as Solpedine, and Neurofen Plus on a group of service users who were treated in the hospital for other disorders. The study revealed the seriousness of the problem, the extent of the problem, and the consequences of the problem for the people who may have inadvertently developed an addiction. The results of this first ever study were published in an Irish medical journal, and helped increase awareness of this hidden disorder.

A study of text messaging in a dual diagnosis population (Dr. V Agyapong)

Text messaging is a tool which has been infrequently used in medicine or in psychiatry. This study followed a large number of service users who completed the dual diagnosis programme who either opted to receive helpful reminder text messages or to receive no messaging. A large cohort of service users participated and the results from this study are currently being analysed. A review of the literature has recently been accepted for publication in an international journal. It is anticipated the full results will be published next year.

A study of CCBT in alcohol dependence

This study is recruiting service users with alcohol dependence to undergo a novel computer therapy for addiction, based upon cognitive behavioral therapy. It is undertaken parallel to inpatient treatment and follows service users for a number of months after they complete the programme. This research is currently ongoing.

Anxiety in Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Following on from the first major dual diagnosis study, which revealed the importance of anxiety in the management of dual diagnosis disorders, the department has obtained ethical approval for a study exploring a novel anti-anxiety therapy in dual diagnosis. This is currently being commenced with Dr. T Thekiso.

A number of other projects are being initiated with a view to development into full research protocols

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The atmosphere of the hospital is very bright, cheerful and friendly. The staff are excellent, uniformly helpful without exception and a credit to the hospital

There is a very good atmosphere at St. Patrick's. Communication is very good between patients and staff and should be maintained on an informal basis. Food is very good and is a very good morale booster for everyone. I would like to thank everyone in St. Patrick's for input and kindness while I have been here

I had 10 unforgettable days with prime quality care and facilities. Most of all, I've met really nice people and hopefully not being wrong made some friends. Good work, keep it up

It was a turning point in my life and a good one. I will always have fond memories of my stay here because the overall feeling was of peace.

Today I'm sad as I leave ye all, but the sadness is one that I like, Because after 8 weeks on the bay, it's time for me to take a hike, thanks to all the nurses and students, to the staff in the kitchen and OT's too, to the lovely ladies who clean the ward, to the doctors where a bond we grew.

The Cleaners kept my room beautifully clean and the Temple Centre was spotless. The staff were so helpful and caring and gave me as much time as I needed. All in all I was very well cared for. Thank you very much

Excellent staff have finally helped me overcome my illness with the correct treatment and also using the recovery psychosis programme which opened my mind to what I suffer from. I have had this for 10 years but now I feel relaxed, free of all fear thanks to the A team. St Pats sets the standard for others to follow.

I do not have a single negative to pass on the time I have spent under the care of the staff of St. Patrick's Hospital other than to say that it varied between very good and exceptional. I came to hospital feeling broken and despairing and leave now feeling renewed and well and looking to the future.

I was most impressed with the care given to my daughter during her stay here. The ambience in the hospital is relaxed and caring. From the cleaners to the nurses, doctors and administrators everybody is on first name terms all working to a common goal of getting people better. Congratulations on a job well done