About one in every five people in the United States are battling a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. What’s shocking to many, though, is that these individuals are not simply battling one disorder. Oftentimes, those struggling with their mental health meet the diagnostic criteria for multiple disorders at once.
As research evolves, studies are uncovering similar results: Roughly half of people diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder meet the criteria for two or more disorders, or will be diagnosed with a second or third disorder during their lifetime.
When multiple mental health disorders co-occur, it’s often referred to as dual diagnosis. Read on to learn more about what dual diagnosis in mental health means (and looks like) today.
What is dual diagnosis in relation to mental health?
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe the co-existence of two distinct medical or mental health conditions in the same individual. In mental health, dual diagnosis can refer to the presence of:
- Multiple mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder, or
- Mental illness and substance use disorder, such as depression and painkiller addiction.
The latter example of dual diagnosis is the more common case, as mental health disorders and substance use disorders so often overlap. (Did you know that more than one-third of adults with a mental health condition also have a substance use disorder simultaneously?)
Increasingly, though, clinical professionals and mental health experts are shifting away from the phrase “dual diagnosis” and instead using “co-occurring disorders” to describe multiple mental health conditions. Why? Dual diagnosis implies there are exactly two disorders that a person struggles with—but this is limiting. Co-occurring disorders is an inclusive way to diagnose a person with multiple mental health and substance use problems (whether that’s two, three, or more). Co-occurring disorders also infers that the issues are interconnected, not disparate, and therefore need to be treated via an integrated, holistic approach.
What are examples of dual diagnosis in mental health?
Most commonly, dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, in the same person. Examples of these co-occurring disorders include:
- Depression and alcohol use disorder
- Depression and opioid use disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and prescription drug addiction
- Anxiety disorder and marijuana addiction
- Anxiety disorder and Xanax dependence
Oftentimes, the difficult symptoms of a mental illness lead a person to drink alcohol or abuse drugs. For example, a person facing PTSD might turn to alcohol or painkillers to try to numb feelings of sadness and pain. However, substance abuse can also lead to (or exacerbate) mental health issues. Either disorder can present itself first.
While mental illness and substance use disorders are the most common form of dual diagnosis, a person can also struggle with multiple mental health disorders at the same time. For example, common co-occurring mental illnesses include:
- Anxiety disorder and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression
- Bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder
- Schizophrenia and depression
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorder
- Eating disorders and depression or anxiety
Mental health issues often occur in the same areas of the brain, affecting a person’s ability to control impulses, think rationally, make decisions, and manage emotions as well as emotional responses. A person’s genetics, brain chemistry, previous traumas, and/or exposure to chronic stress can increase their susceptibility to multiple, co-occurring mental health disorders.
What treatment is recommended for dual diagnosis in mental health?
Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders require an integrated treatment approach that addresses all conditions simultaneously. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment (IDDT) recognizes that the co-occurring mental health conditions are deeply intertwined, exacerbating or triggering one another. As such, they must be addressed at the same time, in the same place, through a comprehensive and connected care plan.
For example, a person with co-occurring mental health disorders will likely receive a blend of psychotherapy (usually cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT) and medication, as well as complementary tools like mindfulness or meditation, life skills training, and lifestyle changes. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dual diagnosis treatment in mental health. Every person has different experiences, preferences, symptoms, and struggles—so it’s incredibly important that mental health treatment is personalized to their individual needs.
However, there are certain types of treatment that are usually recommended for those struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders. Generally, clinicians will advise the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize and change the negative thought patterns contributing to their disorders. For example, CBT might help a person shift thoughts like “I am a failure, and drinking makes me feel better” to “I may be struggling right now, but I have a lot of talents and strengths, too. Instead of drinking, I am going to walk to the coffee shop, sip a hot chocolate, and write in my journal.”
- Inpatient mental health treatment:
Inpatient treatment programs, also known as residential treatment programs, offer 24/7 care for individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders. These programs are typically recommended for those with more severe cases of dual diagnosis, providing structure, accessible therapy, and round-the-clock support in a controlled environment. Inpatient dual diagnosis treatment programs are most likely to implement the integrated care model that is so essential in treating co-occurring disorders.
- Ongoing, continuing care:
Recovery from dual diagnosis is a lifelong journey; it does not end at the conclusion of a treatment program. Because of the complex and chronic nature of dual diagnosis in mental health, a person must continue to take steps to actively manage their symptoms and triggers. Continuous emotional support, such as outpatient counseling or attending a support group, can make an incredible difference in a person’s long-term recovery and happiness. These continuous care methods can help a person prevent crisis situations, navigate life stressors as they arise, reduce their risk of relapse, and tap into a reliable support network when they need it most.
The best dual diagnosis treatment programs help ensure that individuals leaving the program have access to ongoing support services, such as sober housing, employment opportunities, legal assistance, healthcare services, credible counselors, and other community resources.
- Holistic treatment methods:
While medication and therapy can be monumental in treating dual diagnosis in mental health, these are not the only effective modalities. In fact, some of the most evidence-backed methods of treating mental health disorders are complementary to these clinical modalities. For example, mindfulness and meditation, physical exercise, yoga, good nutrition, art or music therapy, as well as getting outside in nature have all been proven effective in reducing the symptoms of mental health problems. The right treatment program will prioritize these types of lifestyle shifts, in addition to the traditional and clinical methods of care.
Get treatment for dual diagnosis in mental health
Dual diagnosis is very common among people struggling with their mental health, but it is also very complex. Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are chronic and their effects together can compound. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment, that addresses all the conditions simultaneously, is the most effective way to overcome co-occurring disorders and their symptoms.
Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider specializing in dual diagnosis and co-occurring mental health disorders. If you are facing symptoms of dual diagnosis and seeking treatment for a mental illness, substance use problem, or combination of issues—we are here for you. Contact us today at 877-581-1793 to learn more.