Dual Diagnosis Treatment Criteria

Individuals who suffer from a mental disorder and a substance abuse problem are assigned a dual diagnosis treatment classification. The reason for this is the symptoms of both diagnoses are often similar, and so are inter-related to the point where they feed off of one another. Anxiety, paranoia, depression, hallucinations and delusions are all possible symptoms exhibited within both conditions. As a result, any treatment criteria used must address both conditions at the same time, or else risk having the untreated condition aggravate the treated condition. Dual diagnosis conditions are not uncommon, as people suffering from mental disorders often turn to substance abuse as a way to self-medicate their symptoms; however, long-term substance abusers eventually develop mental disorders as a result of long-term drug use.

Diagnosing a person who has a mental disorder and a substance abuse problem is difficult because of the overlapping symptoms. It's not uncommon for mental health practitioners to diagnose either a mental disorder or a substance abuse problem since one set of symptoms can mimic the other. Treatment criteria based on only one condition will be ineffective unless an accurate and complete diagnosis is made. Frequent hospitalizations and treatment program admissions may occur as a result of misdiagnosed conditions. Individuals suffering from a dual diagnosis face difficulties in developing social relationships, environmental challenges and the ongoing risk of relapse. Social relationships tend to be with other substance users, while symptoms of anxiety, depression or psychosis further aggravate the desire to use illegal substances in an attempt to self-medicate.

The interrelationship of mental illness and substance abuse places individuals at a lower functioning level than those who have only one condition. Physical illness and poor nutrition are often present, which further adds to the problems these people face. Symptoms may occur on a more frequent basis as a result of continued drug use. For this reason, the first line of treatment should work to reduce and eliminate substance use so that symptoms caused by the mental disorder can be treated. Admission to a detoxification center is often required to provide counseling and address addiction issues. Aftercare programs or outpatient programs are the next line of treatment. These provide an environment for healthy social relationships and ongoing counseling. Throughout this process, individuals may be monitored by case managers, doctors and psychiatrists.

The severity of a person's symptoms may determine the types of facilities used for inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient facilities come in the form of medical detoxification centers, long-term residential programs and dual diagnosis treatment centers. Outpatient programs include partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, intensive case management and ongoing counseling. Treatment types vary according to length of stay, level of supervision and relapse prevention provisions. Oftentimes, educational groups that emphasize daily living skills, coping skills, socialization and symptom awareness are needed to help transition individuals back into a normal, everyday life.

The unique challenges faced by individuals with a dual diagnosis require a coordinated treatment approach that addresses both sets of symptoms. Most mental health agencies are ill-equipped to address the treatment criteria needs for dual diagnosis patients. Programs are typically set up to address either mental disorders or substance abuse issues, but not both concurrently. As a result, patients are bounced back and forth between programs, with little to no coordination of services in-between. A number of dual diagnosis treatment centers have emerged in an attempt to fill the inherent gaps encountered within traditional mental health facilities. These programs are specifically designed to treat individuals with dual diagnosis using a coordinated team approach where treatment criteria addresses symptoms arising from both conditions.