Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may result in a dual diagnosis if the patient also exhibits problems with drug addiction or alcoholism. Anxiety disorders, such as OCD, often have a dual diagnosis. The diagnosis requires therapists and patients to undergo the difficult task of treating the mental health disorder and the addiction separately, as well as helping the patient to control the dual problems.
Identification
People with OCD suffer from a lack of control over daily events and circumstances, making them constantly have unwanted thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors. Some patients may turn to substance abuse to escape the anxiety and feelings of losing control. The drug or alcohol dependence often makes it difficult for the patient to seek treatment before the addiction becomes severe, according to Michael's House, a rehab and counseling center.
Effects
OCD patients have persistent thoughts, images and impulses that can be disturbing, according to FamilyDoctor.org, the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. They have a hard time controlling the obsessive thoughts--which may include a fear of germs, concern with keeping objects in order and exactness, anxiety about harming a loved one or worries about doing a project at work or home properly.
Function
The patient's compulsions may include checking repeatedly to ensure doors are locked or lights are off, arranging items on a counter or desk in a specific way, constantly cleaning, such as repeatedly washing the hands, or often seeking approval and reassurance, FamilyDoctor.org explains. The compulsive behaviors can turn into actions that mimic rituals, such as counting to a certain number repeatedly or touching objects several times.
Considerations
Some OCD patients may suffer from other anxiety disorders, including phobias or panic attacks, which can make treatment difficult. However, treatment for anxiety disorders often involves the same therapeutic methods. For example, exposure therapy helps OCD and panic disorder patients by gradually exposing them to the fears that cause their symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This helps in reducing their fearful responses. Depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders or learning disorders may also be present with OCD--which makes treatment difficult but possible.
Prevention/Solution
OCD patients may turn to alcohol or drugs to calm their feelings and reactions from the disorder, the NIMH says. This leads to a dual diagnosis of OCD and substance abuse. Difficulties in treatment involve getting the patient to first go without drugs or alcohol through a detoxification process, according to Medline Plus. The next steps include rehabilitation for the substance problem and therapy for OCD. Medication is often used for OCD, but it has to be administered carefully in the case of dual diagnosis to avoid dependency on prescribed drugs.
