DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Dual Diagnosis is defined as a person having a psychiatric disorder combined with a substance abuse problem. Two of the most common substance problems are drug addiction and alcoholism. Dual diagnosis individuals may abuse either alcohol and/or drugs. Drugs of abuse may include cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription pills, opiates, ecstasy, and others.

Some of the co-occurring psychiatric disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and many others. Effective treatment for a dual diagnosis condition addresses both the substance abuse disorder and the mental health condition simultaneously.

Dual Diagnosis Symptoms

Dual Diagnosis symptoms are comprised of two or more qualifying disorders, one of which must be a substance abuse disorder and the other a co-occurring psychiatric disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, or post traumatic stress disorder.

For example, symptoms of depression may include some of the following: depressed mood; decreased interest in pleasure; significant weight loss or weight gain; insomnia; fatigue or loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness; poor concentration; or thoughts of suicide.

Symptoms of a substance dependence disorder include a dependence upon alcohol or a specific substance (such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin or opiates, methamphetamine, etc.) which leads to significant impairment or distress. Other symptoms may include tolerance; withdrawal; larger amounts  of the substance taken than was intended; desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use; a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance; important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced; continued use despite knowledge of negative consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Causes

Dual diagnosis causes are sometimes difficult to determine. Often, the psychiatric problem predates the drug addiction or alcoholism. In this case, a person with a psychiatric disorder, such as depression, may develop alcoholism or a drug addiction to relieve their symptoms of depression. This is often referred to as self-medication. Self-medication often leads to a physical or psychological dependency on alcohol or drugs.

Conversely, alcohol dependence or drug addiction may be the primary condition.  An individual whose substance abuse problem is primary, may develop a psychiatric disorder such as depression or anxiety.  In both instances, the person suffers from two conditions and is considered to have a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis patients must have an accurate assessment of their condition. For example, if the underlying depression is not diagnosed and treated successfully, the patient will most likely become depressed again and seek alcohol or drugs to relieve their depressed mood.

Research has shown that in order for treatment to be effective, it must be delivered at an integrated dual diagnosis facility. Integrated treatment means that appropriate services are provided to address both the substance abuse problem and the psychiatric disorder simultaneously.

Dual Diagnosis Occurrence

Dual diagnosis is very prevalent in our society today.  According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, thirty-seven percent of alcohol abusers and fifty-three percent of drug abusers also have at least one co-occurring mental illness. Among people who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, twenty-nine percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Clearview

Clearview was founded as a dual diagnosis center, and is known nationally as a premiere provider of dual diagnosis treatment. We practice an integrated approach to the treatment of addictions and psychiatric disorders.

Addressing and resolving the underlying causes of substance abuse, drug addiction, and alcoholism is emphasized throughout the treatment process. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma are often related to the drug addiction or alcoholism and must be treated successfully for long term recovery.

Our Dual Diagnosis approach places an equal emphasis on addressing and treating the addiction and psychiatric disorders simultaneously. The first step is a thorough and accurate assessment process of both the addiction and mental health issues.

Clearview’s treatment team utilizes a series of assessments including a psychiatric assessment, psychosocial assessment, and psychological testing if necessary. A medical evaluation is also conducted to identify and treat any existing medical conditions.

Each patient is assigned to a clinical team consisting of a psychiatrist, internal medicine doctor, psychotherapist, family therapist, addiction counselor, and nutritionist. Our psychiatrist conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation with each dual diagnosis patient in order to determine their diagnosis. Once assessed, the psychiatrist meets with the patient regularly to provide ongoing assessment and medication management as needed. Consulting psychiatrists are onsite several days per week and specialize in addiction psychiatry.

Each patient works closely with a dual diagnosis therapist. The therapist conducts a psychosocial assessment and formulates a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates individual therapy and specialized group modalities.  All Clearview therapists are dual diagnosis experts with special expertise in trauma, eating disorders, addictions, and family therapy.

Individual therapy is provided a minimum of two times per week and focuses on the symptoms of both the substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. Our trauma therapist is certified in both EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, modalities that have proven effective with trauma and PTSD. Patients with eating disorders work with a therapist that specializes in this disorder as well our program dietician. Special meal plans are available as needed.

Our treatment center blends traditional, experiential, and complimentary therapies into an integrated treatment model. Clearview’s dual diagnosis center provides a wide range of group modalities that address the needs of patients including a primary therapy group daily, relapse prevention, DBT skills group, trauma group, grief and loss group, psychodrama, eating disorders group, codependency group, gender specific groups, medication group, mood disorders group, and others.

Dual diagnosis can be a devastating condition but can be overcome with the proper help. If you or a loved one needs help, please call us toll free at 800-573-0770. Our intake coordinator will provide you with information about our programs and conduct a complimentary clinical evaluation to assess your needs. At Clearview, our goal is to provide you with the very best care for Dual Diagnosis.

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