Dual diagnosis

Dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) is a term for when someone experiences a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously. Dual diagnosis is a broad category that can include a person who has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and a problem with alcohol or drugs. A person who has a drug problem along with a serious mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, is also said to have a dual diagnosis.

Overview

To understand dual diagnosis, it's important to understand the concept of mental illness and substance use disorder. Mental illnesses are conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dual diagnosis vary greatly between individuals, as the types of mental health disorders and substance use disorders can vary widely. However, common symptoms can include:

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Using substances under dangerous conditions
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Loss of control over use of substances
• Developing a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
• Feeling the need to use substances to function normally
• Experiencing legal trouble
• Having problems fulfilling obligations

Treatment

Treatment for dual diagnosis is usually a combination of medication, counseling, and support. Medication can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat any co-occurring conditions. Counseling can help the person understand their disorder, learn to manage it, and develop coping strategies and tools to prevent relapse. Support groups can provide a community of individuals who understand the experience of dual diagnosis and can provide a supportive network of understanding and advice.

See also

• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia

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