Also known as co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis is a term that refers to one person who suffers from an addictive disorder and a mood disorder at the same time. Dual diagnosis may include process addiction behaviors such as gambling or shopping, or substance addictions to drugs or alcohol. Addiction can be developed by anyone; it is not reserved for certain personality types or social standing.
It is common for drug addiction to begin as a means of self-medication for an undiagnosed disorder. It is also common for a disorder such as depression to be evident only after stopping long term use of psycho-physiological stimulants such as crack, cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine. Cessation of some legitimate medications may also cause depression.
Mood disorders and addictive disorders influence each other. When you acknowledge one disorder and ignore the other disorders, the ignored disorders will flourish.
In summary, all disorders must be acknowledged and addressed on some level in the beginning of treatment. The patient’s care requires a team of treatment professionals. Good communications between all professionals involved is vital to the success of the patient’s treatment.
Information presented here is basic and so much more could be said about this subject. Questions or comments on this subject are welcome and encouraged.
Ms. George
About Ms. George
“But what we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.” George Eliot (1819-1880) English Novelist
Ms. George is a professional consultant providing "Critical incident debriefing" and "Brief Counseling" for Employee Assistance Programs and Work Life Resources; S.A.P. Assessor for employees in safety sensitive positions under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
"I created this blog to share my thoughts on problems and concerns impacting the families and patients in treatment." Ms. George
Recovery For All 
Addiction and mental health problems combined
Also known as co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis is a term that refers to one person who suffers from an addictive disorder and a mood disorder at the same time. Dual diagnosis may include process addiction behaviors such as gambling or shopping, or substance addictions to drugs or alcohol. Addiction can be developed by anyone; it is not reserved for certain personality types or social standing.
It is common for drug addiction to begin as a means of self-medication for an undiagnosed disorder. It is also common for a disorder such as depression to be evident only after stopping long term use of psycho-physiological stimulants such as crack, cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine. Cessation of some legitimate medications may also cause depression.
Mood disorders and addictive disorders influence each other. When you acknowledge one disorder and ignore the other disorders, the ignored disorders will flourish.
In summary, all disorders must be acknowledged and addressed on some level in the beginning of treatment. The patient’s care requires a team of treatment professionals. Good communications between all professionals involved is vital to the success of the patient’s treatment.
Information presented here is basic and so much more could be said about this subject. Questions or comments on this subject are welcome and encouraged.
Ms. George
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About Ms. George
“But what we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.” George Eliot (1819-1880) English Novelist Ms. George is a professional consultant providing "Critical incident debriefing" and "Brief Counseling" for Employee Assistance Programs and Work Life Resources; S.A.P. Assessor for employees in safety sensitive positions under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. "I created this blog to share my thoughts on problems and concerns impacting the families and patients in treatment." Ms. George