Dual diagnosis refers to a medical condition in which you have a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder (disease of sadness and extreme euphoria) and an alcohol or drug problem. According to Mental Health America, 53 percent of drug abusers and 37 percent of alcohol abusers in the United States have at least one mental disorder.
Symptoms
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, symptoms for dual diagnosis include drug use or alcohol use with crying spells, irritability, fatigue, racing speech and impulsiveness. More symptoms exist than listed here.
Prevalence
The National Mental Health Information Center says that 50 percent of people with mental illness in the United States also suffer from alcohol and drug abuse.
Self-medication
People may cover their mood disorder symptoms with alcohol and drugs, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. This may temporarily help the individual but actually worsens the condition.
Treatment
The substance disorder and mood disorder must be treated simultaneously using the integrated dual disorder treatment, according to the National Mental Health Information Center. This type of treatment ensures that the same doctor or treatment team cares for the individual with dual diagnosis.
Location of Treatment
Patients suffering from dual diagnosis can be treated in an outpatient (office) or inpatient (in-hospital) setting, depending on the severity of the dual diagnosis disorder.
