It has been estimated that 15% of the world’s population suffers from a mental health issue, and substance use disorder. The studies also prove that out of all the people diagnosed with substance use disorder, a majority of them also have an underlying mental health issue. Such a co-occurrence of disorders is known as dual diagnosis.
Treating dual diagnosis is very important but equally complicated. Let’s see how dual diagnosis can be treated safely.
Dual Diagnosis and its Common Mental Health Conditions
Putting it in simpler terms, dual diagnosis can be defined as a combination of substance use disorder and an underlying mental health condition. Individuals with mental health issues often rely on substances to feel better. This is known as self-medication which then leads to substance use disorder or addiction. The same process can happen in reverse where the individual develops mental health issues as a side effect of prolonged substance abuse.
The common mental health disorders diagnosed in such cases are:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
These disorders have been observed to target millions of people in our country. Thus, it becomes important to know the symptoms of dual diagnosis.
Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Before diagnosing co-occurring disorders professionally, you can look out for the following symptoms for a better idea:
- Isolating and neglecting friends and family
- Involving in risky activities
- Unexplained changes in behavior
- Unable to control the consumption of substances
- Increased substance cravings
- Developing tolerance against substances
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Needing substances to function normally
- Unable to quit substances despite knowing their harmful effects
Symptoms for existing mental health conditions are:
- Confused thinking
- Losing focus
- Unable to handle responsibilities
- Sudden and extreme changes in mood and behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
- Social isolation
Conditions like suicidal thoughts can prove to be lethal. Thus, it is important to get dual diagnosis treatment on time.
Treating Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis, if left untreated can lead to several other severe health issues. Thus, treating it is necessary. For a thorough dual diagnosis treatment, you can approach Skyward Treatment in Houston, Texas. Our rehab implements the following treatment process for dual diagnosis:
- Detox or medical detox
- Assessment
- Medications
- Therapy and counseling
These methods have been proven to be successful to help patients overcome co-occurring disorders. Contact us now for more details about the program.