On their own, mental health challenges can be incredibly difficult, as can addictions. Struggling with both addiction and mental health concerns is incredibly common. When this is the case, an individual will receive a dual diagnosis.
What are the signs of a dual diagnosis? How can a person recover from mental health issues and substance use disorders simultaneously? A better understanding of dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, can help you or a loved one heal.
If you or somebody you love has a dual diagnosis, treatment is available at Northpoint Seattle. Call us today at 888.483.6031 to discuss and determine the most effective dual diagnosis treatment for you or your loved one.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Depending on several factors, the signs of a dual diagnosis can look different for everybody. But what is a dual diagnosis? A dual diagnosis refers to a combination of physical and mental conditions that occur simultaneously. Dual diagnosis is most commonly seen in a person who is struggling with both addiction and other mental health issues.
Dual diagnosis is similar to co-occurring disorders. Both terms refer to two or more health conditions that occur simultaneously.
It’s common for mental or physical illnesses to result from substance abuse. In a dual diagnosis, the two health issues are diagnosed separately. This means that somebody could be diagnosed with a mental health condition and a substance use disorder that are unrelated. However, they may still affect each other.
Dual diagnosis signs and symptoms must be addressed together by mental health professionals.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis?
The signs and symptoms of a dual diagnosis can look different depending on the individual. Dual diagnosis signs will often depend on the type of mental health issue, the addiction, as well as some other factors. Some examples of symptoms of a dual diagnosis include:
- Difficulty managing daily tasks
- Avoiding social situations
- Cognitive impairments
- Neglecting health or hygiene
- Suicidal behaviors or ideations
- Refusal to seek or comply with treatment
- Erratic or impulsive behaviors
As previously mentioned, dual diagnosis symptoms can present differently for everybody. If these symptoms sound familiar to you, the best thing you can do for yourself or your loved one is to seek professional treatment.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Mental health concerns that coincide with addiction may vary depending on the individual. However, some psychological conditions more commonly occur alongside substance use disorders. Some examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The signs of each of these mental health conditions vary depending on the condition and the individual. The symptoms can also vary depending on what substances you or your loved one use. It’s essential to research the substance being abused as well as the conditions that you or your loved one are experiencing. If you or someone you know experiences signs of mental health conditions and addiction, you may want to consider dual diagnosis treatment.
Call Today to Set Up a Consultation for Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
Struggling with your mental health can be incredibly isolating, complicated, and scary. The same can be said for addiction. Mental health issues and substance use disorders, when occurring simultaneously, can be incredibly dangerous for an individual and the people around them.
Before trying to treat a dual diagnosis yourself, reach out to one of our medical professionals at Northpoint Seattle to set up a consultation. Contact us today via our online form or by calling 888.483.6031 to discuss our treatment options. We are ready to help you take that first step toward lasting wellness in recovery.