Dual Diagnosis

There are many types of dual diagnosis. For the purpose of this article this term refers to people that have both a mental illness and the disease of addiction.

According to (About.com) there is a problem for those who work in the mental health field. That is making an accurate diagnosis. It is very problematic to recognize dual diagnosis. The reason being someone with a mental illness is most likely to be in denial about their drug or alcohol abuse. Also when it’s obvious that someone has an addiction problem this can cover up the symptoms of a mental illness.

The (Better Health Channel) states that because the mental health system lacks knowledge about dual diagnosis this could cause problems for the patients and their families.The health care workers often point the finger at their clients accusing them of being difficult and not responding to treatment. When in reality the mental health system is not providing adequate treatment and support for their clients.

If a client decides to seek treatment first for the drug problem, the addictions workers treat their mental illness as a "secondary issue". Or, if the client decides to seek treatment first for their mental illness the mental health workers treat their addiction as a "secondary issue". They do not view these two problems with equal importance and as "interdependent" with each other.There is usually no specialized or "early intervention treatments " available for those with dual diagnosis.Many times the family is not involved in the treatment process even though the family can offer more insight into their loved ones "problems and experiences".

(HELPGUIDE.org) informs us that looking back historically there have not been very effective programs developed for treating dual diagnosis. The mental illness and the addiction problem were treated separately.

Here are some suggestions from (HELPGUIDE.org) as to treating those with dual diagnosis:

(1) Both disorders ought to be treated at the same time. Not separately.

(2) The first step in treating drug addiction is to have the person detoxified. The drugs need to be washed out of their system.

(3) The detoxifying should be carried out with medical supervision. Otherwise there could be complications that could even cause death.

(4) Treatment should be carried out gradually. Healing takes time and people with this problem need to go at their own pace.

(5)The program should look towards complete abstinence but should not be a pre-requisite to enter the treatment program.

(6) Some people may not be successful in working the 12 step programs offered by various self-help groups.

Furthermore, another very important thing in treatment is having a survival network set up. This would include:

(1) The opportunity to engage in socializing and "recreational activities" in order to have relationships with their own "peer group".

(2) Partake in groups that offer education on the issues surrounding dual diagnosis, education concerning medications, daily life skills, and well-being.

(3) The family should be involved in the treatment process. They need to be given support and education to be better equipped to help their loved one.

A major problem among those with dual diagnosis is denial. They usually lack insight concerning their mental illness and addiction. They need to know that it is truly difficult to get clean and sober. They should be praised and given encouragement for their successes.

There are three major types of care offered.

(1) Stay in hospital full time.

(2) Stay in hospital during the day and going home at night.

(3) Be treated completely as an out-patient.

Because of simultaneous treatment for both disorders, patients should be allowed to receive psychiatric medications while being detoxified.

(CIGNA Behavioral Health) says that receiving treatment for both problems at the same time should be implemented by one clinician and treatment team, which is often called the "integrated approach".

People with dual diagnosis need "hope, knowledge, skills, and support" if they are going to effectively deal with their problems and be successful at achieving their goals in life.

If this population can receive "effective treatment", it will give them a better chance at recovery. It would reduce problems such as "increased symptoms of mental illness, hospitalizations, financial problems, family problems, homelessness, suicide, violence, sexual and physical victimization, incarceration, serious medical illnesses, and sometimes even early death".

If recovery is going to be achieved it must be the client’s decision to seek recovery. They must choose to seek recovery for themselves, not for someone else. People cannot be forced into giving up drugs and alcohol. Once this decision is made, recovery then becomes possible.

It takes "time, hope, and courage". It does not happen overnight. Sometimes it takes months and even years.

Programs that offer "appropriate, integrated services" will bring about recovery for those who suffer from dual diagnosis"Recovery can reduce the repercussions on family, friends, and society as a whole.

By encouraging people to "stay in recovery, help them find housing and jobs, and develop better social skills and judgement", it is possible to greatly reduce the tremendous suffering caused by dual diagnosis."

References:

Buddy T. Dual Diagnosis The Problem About.com
Retrieved 8 April 2007 From the World Wide Web
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/dual/a/aa981209.htm

Dual Diagnosis Better Health Channel
Retrieved 8 April 2007 From the World Wide Web
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dual_diagno

Dual Diagnosis: Information and Treatment For Co-Occuring Disorders HELPGUIDE.org
Retrieved 8 April 2007 From the World Wide Web
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/dual_diagnosis.htm

Dual Diagnosis CIGNA Behavioral Health
Retrieved 8 April 2007 From the World Wide Web
http://www.cignabehavioral.com/web/basicsite/bulletinBoard/dualDiagnosis.jsp