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What is Dual Diagnosis and Why is it Difficult?

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What is dual diagnosis? Find exactly what dual diagnosis is and why it is difficult to diagnose and treat at HealthyPlace

What is Dual Diagnosis and Why is it Difficult?

Dual diagnosis, also called co-occurring disorders, is the term used when someone has both a mental health disorder(s) and a substance use disorder(s). Diagnosing and treating co-occurring mental- and substance use disorders can be difficult.

What is the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse?

According to SAMHSA, people with mental illness are more likely than people without mental illness to experience an alcohol- or other substance-use disorder. In fact, in 2014, almost eight million adults in the U.S. had a dual diagnosis.

There’s a connection between the two, but there isn’t a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Substance use doesn’t cause mental illness, nor does mental illness cause substance use and abuse.

It’s not uncommon for people with mental health disorders to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol as an attempt to deal with their symptoms and function better. Unfortunately, the opposite happens and people become trapped in co-occurring disorders.

Is Dual-Diagnosis Treatable?

Dual diagnosis is indeed treatable. Initially, practitioners use screening tools to help separate mental health and substance use issues. Then, each diagnosis receives its own unique attention and treatment.

Someone experiencing dual diagnosis faces many challenges. With the right treatment and support, he or she can overcome the challenges and experience mental health.

Related Articles Dealing with Dual Diagnosis

Your Thoughts

Today's Question: : If you struggle with dual diagnosis, what effect did the addiction have on your mental illness? We invited you to participate by sharing your thoughts, knowledge, and experiences on the HealthyPlace Facebook page and on the HealthyPlace Google+ page.


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Most Popular HealthyPlace Articles Shared by Facebook Fans

Here are the top 3 mental health articles HealthyPlace Facebook fans are recommending you read:

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Mental Health Quote

"No matter how bad things are right now. No matter how stuck you feel. No matter how many days you’ve spent crying and wishing things were different. No matter how hopeless and depressed you feel. I promise you that you won’t feel this way forever. Keep going."

Read more depression quotes.

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APA Reference
Peterson, T. (2017, November 28). What is Dual Diagnosis and Why is it Difficult?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, June 20 from https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/what-is-dual-diagnosis-and-why-is-it-difficult

Last Updated: November 28, 2017
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Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD

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