Dual Diagnosis
What is Dual Diagnosis?
The term Dual Diagnosis refers to those individuals suffering from one or more medical disorders at the same time. In the world of drug addiction, dual diagnosis is most commonly used to discuss individuals who have more than one drug addiction, a drug and alcohol addiction, a drug addiction and a psychological problem (such as depression or anorexia), or a drug addiction and a physical health problem (such as AIDS or cancer).
Helping individuals with a dual diagnosis can be challenging for the medical professional. Sometimes the psychological problem involved is caused by drug or alcohol use (or vice-versa) which makes treatment a more intricate, complicated process.
Symptoms of those with a dual diagnosis
The symptoms of a dual diagnosis patient may be different that those individuals who are only suffering from alcohol or drug addiction or a mental health disorder. Therefore, working with a professional who understands dual diagnosis patients is absolutely crucial in that individual receiving proper addiction treatment.
One of the biggest problem mental and medical professionals face in this situation is that the symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction can do one of three things: mimic a mental health problem, cover up a mental health problem, or make a mental health problem worse.
And when these dual diagnosis patients fail to receive proper treatment, their recovery is slowed and their families suffer.
Finding solutions to a dual diagnosis
There are, however, solutions to the dual diagnosis crisis.
More awareness among the medical community has led to more effective treatment of patients who receive a dual diagnosis. More patience and attention to detail in the treatment of these individuals has led to higher levels of success across the board.
Another challenge has been the lack of proper treatment facilities for those who have received a dual diagnosis. Most commonly there have been two kinds of facilities – one for those with mental health issues and one for those with drug and alcohol addiction problems. The prevalence of dual diagnosis patients – along with increase awareness – have led to the creation of more and more hybrid facilities that can treat both sides of the equation, and help the individual get the specialized treatment they need.
