Dual-diagnosis cases are more challenging than those involving mental health or drug use alone. Being given a dual diagnosis might leave one feeling lost and frightened. This, however, is a common diagnosis, according to the administration of mental health services. Knowing what this diagnosis entails and what kind of assistance is available is essential for getting the right therapy.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

An individual is said to have a dual diagnosis when they are struggling with both drug misuse and a mental health condition. Common co-occurring mental health disorders include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Bipolar disorder.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Major Challenges Associated with Dual Diagnosis.

The co-occurrence of a mental health condition with a substance use disorder is known as a “dual diagnosis,” and it causes major difficulties for the person, their loved ones, and the healthcare professionals. Shown below are a few of the challenges that might arise from a dual diagnosis.

1. Diagnosis.

The symptoms of mental health illnesses and drug use disorders may overlap or are hard to differentiate, making it difficult to make a dual diagnosis. Healthcare professionals must have expert knowledge of both mental health and drug use issues in order to identify and treat patients with dual diagnoses.

• Relapse.

The co-occurrence of mental health and drug use disorders may make it challenging to maintain sobriety and manage symptoms, which can lead to frequent relapse for those with dual diagnosis. Healthcare practitioners must provide continuous support and aftercare to help people with dual diagnoses maintain sobriety.

• Stigma.

When a person has a mental health illness plus an addiction issue, it may be challenging to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with both.

• Coordinated care.

Coordinated care between mental health doctors and addiction specialists is essential for treating dual diagnosis. It may take time to coordinate a patient’s care effectively in the case where medical professionals practice in separate locations or adhere to varying approaches to patient care.

• Complex treatment needs.

Dual diagnosis treatment must be all-encompassing and take into account both the mental health and drug abuse issues present. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if the patient requires individualized care from a team of specialists using a variety of therapeutic approaches.

• Comorbidity.

When a patient has a dual diagnosis, they have both a mental health issue and a physical health disorder, which may make treatment more difficult and increase the likelihood of negative results. As a result, healthcare practitioners need to be aware of co-occurring disorders and make treatment adjustments as needed.

Seek Quality Help for Your Substance Abuse or Mental Health Problems Immediately!

Taylor Recovery Center is here to help if you or someone you care about needs assistance with drug abuse or mental health concerns. We offer effective dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses both mental health and addiction issues. Contact our Houston facility’s admissions staff to learn more about our services.