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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Dual diagnosis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.