An Overview Of Dual Diagnosis Co-Existing Symptoms People suffering from mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders often suffer from substance addiction problems along with their psychological illness. The co-existence of these problems is known as Dual-Diagnosis. This affliction is challenging for dual diagnosis treatment centers, family, friends and those diagnosed with the disorder. The emotional or psychological illness can make recovery a challenge for those suffering from substance abuse, and the issues of substance addiction can make it challenging to accurately treat psychological issues.
A Uniquely Challenging Disorder Addressing dual-diagnosis individuals is especially challenging for medical professionals because the acute symptoms of addiction can appear the same as effects of psychiatric illness. It is challenging to make a correct diagnosis when a person is showing symptoms that are actually the result of withdrawal or other effects of chemical dependency. In addition, psychological illness can occur as a result of untreated chemical dependence. With the concurrent multiple complications present in dual-diagnosis persons, there is no insurance that treatment will be effective, if not counterproductive. The only way to create the opportunity for successful treatment is with the help of dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Early entry into a program through a dual diagnosis treatment facility is ideal.
Experienced Professionals Mental health experts who have experience working at dual diagnosis treatment centers are the best equipped to handle the diagnostic challenge of determining which symptoms come from alcoholism and which are existing psychiatric symptoms. Diagnosis starts with consultations with the person under-going treatment, and that person's family and friends. The information gleaned from consultations helps doctors begin diagnosis. Extensive interviews are followed with intensive evaluation of the person's behaviors, in an attempt to identify in what ways drug or alcohol use is effecting everyday living. It is also crucial to look at any negative consequences that a possibly dual-diagnosed person's substance abuse has on work, school, family and friends. A look into family history to find any ancestors with addiction or psychological problems proceeds from interviews and evaluation of behavior.
Treating All Symptoms Dual-diagnosis patients can receive beneficial treatment and the symptoms of dual-diagnosis can be managed despite the daunting issues and many snares related to the condition. The first step is eliminating substance use. A client must be treated of the symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal before mental complications can be treated effectively. Once sobriety is maintained, dual diagnosis treatment centers can initiate therapy for the mental health challenges the dual-diagnosis client is struggling with. Treatment methods used by mental health professionals can consist of therapy and prescribed drugs. Doctors will help the patient deal with mental health complications by addressing sleep and stress management, and offering individual and group therapy. These initiatives on the part of psychiatrists, in addition to assistance from friends and family, will motivate healing from psychological and addictive issues.
Asking For Help Can Be Difficult The most hard to deal with challenge when attempting to help dual-diagnosis is that afflicted people are often unable to ask for help or seek treatment on their own. They are often impaired or in crisis and lack the voice to reach out to the people who can help them. They are often without support because of conflict with loved ones, or lacking resources because of unemployment. In addition to the primary challenges of their dual-diagnosis, there are often medical complications resulting because of drug use that need to be taken care of before treatment can commence.
Support From Friends And Family Friends and family want to help their loved ones suffering from dual-diagnosis, but are frustrated and don't know what to do. All attempts to help seem to result in a conflict and only make things worse. They can feel rejected and ashamed as their attempts to help their dual-diagnosed family lead to strong feelings of resentment and hopelessness. However, there are things that family members can do to help. First, family need to make sure that they've done all things they can to understand what their loved ones are dealing with and that they've done everything available to help themselves before
seeking to help the person with the intricate and confusing challenges of dual-diagnosis. Family members can look out for behaviors that may be a signal of relapse and assist their loved ones be active in treatment. It is often close friends and family members who are important in getting an individual with dual diagnosis into dual diagnosis treatment clinics. When an individual with dual-diagnosis lacks the resources to enter a treatment clinic, the assistance of friends and family may be the thing that assists them as they find a new way of life.
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