Dual diagnosis occurs when a patient suffers from an alcohol or drug problem and also a mental or psychiatric disorder. The person needs both problems treated to recover successfully. Each problem may be focused on separately or they may both be taken care of at the same time. But each illness needs its own treatment plan for the patient to recover fully. Treatment may include more than one mental health care professional, or there may be treatment from someone who specializes in dual disorders.
Significance
Dual diagnosis is more common than many people probably realize. More than one-third of alcohol abusers and more than half of drug abusers have at least one serious mental disorder, according to Mental Health America. Nearly 30 percent of people diagnosed with mental illness either abuse drugs or alcohol.
Types
Mental disorders that may occur with alcohol or drug abuse may include depression or bipolar disorder, a mental illness where the person experiences periods of manic behavior and periods of severe depression. Anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders and serious psychiatric disorders may also be part of dual diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic reports that bipolar disorder and alcoholism have similar characteristics that include mood swings. The illnesses often occur together.
Problems Develop
The first problem can be either a mental disorder or substance abuse problem. A person may have a psychiatric problem, then use drugs or alcohol to attempt to feel happier or calmer. People may be using drugs or alcohol to cover up their mood disorders, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Soon the person becomes addicted and has dual disorders. There are also times when an alcoholic or drug addict develops symptoms or depression, anger or other emotional difficulties.
Time Frame
Dual disorders are best treated simultaneously. However, heavy drinkers and substance abusers often need to go through the detoxification process first in order for the therapist or counselor to know if there is an underlying mental disorder. The patient is helped with medical supervision and medication to get through the painful withdrawal symptoms that often accompany giving up alcohol or drugs. The process may take a few days or a couple of weeks. Then the recovery and rehabilitation can begin along with counseling and treatment for mental disorder.
Therapy
Either individual or group therapy can be used for mental illness and drug or alcohol abuse. Many support groups include people with dual disorders. Medications may be used for both problems. This may be difficult at times because a medication for a mental disorder may threaten to cause dependence on a drug. Therapists and doctors must examine their patients carefully and study the latest medications to make sure they do not interfere with another disorder. It may be difficult, but treatment for dual disorders is often successful because the problems may be related.
