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Dual Diagnosis disorder
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Dual Diagnosis Disorder, also known as co-occurring disorder, is a term used to describe the simultaneous existence of a mental disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD) in an individual.
The following are some symptoms and signs of the disorder:
Often, individuals will “self-medicate,” and use drugs as coping mechanisms for much deeper pains. Over time, these drugs can leave a user feeling worse than they did before.
Some people start using alcohol and other drugs to avoid dealing with a difficult or stressful situation. This could indicate an underlying mental health disorder.
A history of trauma can often render the onset of co-occurring disorders.
Trauma may include a history of physical or sexual abuse, witnessing a death or tragedy, or experiencing a war or disastrous event.
Genetics play a role in the development of mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
If any relative of yours has experienced mental disorder-related symptoms, or has formally been diagnosed with depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, or addiction, you have a higher risk of developing a mental health issue.
Intense or prolonged feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness can make it difficult for an individual to focus or commit to responsibilities such as work or academics.
This could be a sign of withdrawal from the substance, which can cause severe mood swings and violent outbursts.
It could also indicate a severe mental health issue like intermittent explosive disorder.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body and brain attempt to maintain a state of balance known as homeostasis.
Taking a substance changes that balance, so your body has to take steps to adjust including changing the levels of certain neurotransmitters. These symptoms are an indication of dependence on a substance.
The causes and predispositions of Dual Diagnosis Disorder are multifactorial and include overlapping genetic vulnerabilities and environmental factors.
It’s important to note that these factors can interact in complex ways, and not everyone with these risk factors will develop dual diagnosis.
Some of the main causes and predispositions are:
There is a significant overlap of genetic factors involved in substance use disorders (SUDs) and mood and anxiety disorders. Comorbidity risk seems to be conveyed by genes engaged in neuronal development, connectivity, and signalling.
Mental health conditions can change a person’s brain, making them more susceptible to the rewarding effects of alcohol.
This can make them more likely to continue using the substance and develop an addiction to it. Similarly, substance use can change the brain in ways that make a person more likely to develop a mental health condition.
Environmental influences are also important in the onset of dual diagnosis.
These influences include early exposure to drugs or alcohol, high-stress levels, lack of social support, and socioeconomic factors such as poverty.
Stressful life events, like natural disasters, can trigger dual diagnosis.
Ongoing stressors, such as abusive relationships or toxic work environments, can also increase the risk.
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing dual diagnosis, like being female (dual diagnosis is twice as common in women than in men), having a comorbid anxiety disorder, and having a family history of anxiety disorders, depression, or other psychiatric disorders.
This myth likely arises from a lack of understanding about the nature of Dual Diagnosis Disorder and the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
Dual Diagnosis Disorder is a recognised medical condition that is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a dissociative disorder. It is a complex but valid condition that can be proven across many markers.
Mental health disorders are often underreported due to stigma, leading to a perception that they are less common than they actually are.
Dual Diagnosis Disorder is relatively common and is consistently identified in inpatient, outpatient, and community samples worldwide.
This myth likely arises from a lack of understanding about the nature of Dual Diagnosis Disorder combined with the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
People with Dual Diagnosis Disorder are no more violent than the general population. There is no link between increased criminal activity and Dual Diagnosis Disorder. The false belief that people with Dual Diagnosis Disorder are violent is dangerous as it causes unnecessary fear further stigmatising and isolating people who have a serious mental illness.
Early warning signs of Dual Diagnosis Disorder can often be subtle, but they tend to be more persistent and can interfere with daily life. Here are some early warning signs:
Negative symptoms of Dual Diagnosis Disorder refer to the absence or reduction of the following normal behaviours. Everyone’s experience with Dual Diagnosis Disorder can be different, and these symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency:
Dual Diagnosis Disorder, also known as co-occurring disorder, is diagnosed by medical professionals such as doctors and psychiatrists during a process including the following:
A doctor may perform a physical exam to look for signs that the anxiety might be linked to medications or an underlying medical condition. Blood or urine tests or other tests may be ordered if a medical condition is suspected.
The doctor or mental health professional will ask detailed questions about symptoms and medical history while psychological questionnaires are used to help determine a diagnosis.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides criteria for diagnosing Dual Diagnosis Disorder, with diagnostic criteria including excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities – worry that the individual finds it difficult to control.
Symptoms are evaluated. The anxiety and worry must be accompanied by at least three of the following physical or cognitive symptoms: edginess or restlessness, tiring easily, impaired concentration, irritability, increased muscle aches or soreness, difficulty sleeping.
Treatment decisions are based on how significantly Dual Diagnosis Disorder is affecting the ability to function in daily life. The two main treatments for Dual Diagnosis Disorder are psychotherapy and medications.