What Is Dual Diagnosis?
What is dual diagnosis? How does it impact individuals’ health and wellness? Read on to find out about co-occurring disorders and treatment options.
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Dual diagnosis is when an individual has a mental health and substance use disorder simultaneously. Other common terms include co-occurring disorders, comorbidities, or dual disorders.
Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options. Your call is confidential with no obligation required.
What is dual diagnosis in relation to mental health conditions? Common mental health conditions associated with dual diagnosis include:
What is dual diagnosis in relation to substance use? Common substances associated with dual diagnosis include:
Environmental factors can contribute to the development of co-occurring disorders. Some examples include:4
Exposure to these life stressors can increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
Below are some of the most common co-occurring disorders:
Bipolar disorder causes periods of manic and depressive episodes. Individuals with this disorder may use substances to self-medicate their symptoms. Research shows that between 40% and 70% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a history of substance use disorder.
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may use substances to alleviate symptoms, such as:
Traumatic experiences can occur at any age. Still, young adulthood is a particularly vulnerable time for trauma. Trauma can increase the risk of developing mental illness if not treated or resolved.
Many young adults lack access to mental health care due to financial or logistical barriers. This can make it difficult to receive timely diagnosis and treatment for mental illness.
What is dual diagnosis treatment? Effective treatment for dual diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Here are some key components of co-occurring disorder treatment:
Medication-assisted treatment is a common approach to treating co-occurring disorders. It involves combining medication, behavioral therapies, and counseling.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved various medications to treat AUD and opioid use disorder (OUD). They include:
Holistic approaches focus on the mind, body, and spirit. They can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can trigger substance use. Some examples include:
What is dual diagnosis treatment like at Boardwalk Recovery? Boardwalk Recovery Center offers many evidence-based therapies, such as:
For more information on what is dual diagnosis, please reach out to Boardwalk Recovery today.