Dual Diagnosis vs Co-Occurring Disorders
- Jun 23, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
It's a common point of confusion, but understanding the difference between dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. This distinction is key to creating a personalized and successful path forward for individuals facing complex health challenges.
What is the difference between dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders?
Dual diagnosis is a broad term for any two health conditions affecting a person at the same time, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Co-occurring disorders is a specific type of dual diagnosis that involves a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, their specific meanings are essential for getting the right help. We'll dive deeper into the nuances and how this understanding can lead to more effective treatment plans.
Is there a difference between dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders?
Dual Diagnosis vs. Co-Occurring Disorders. The terms “dual diagnosis” and “co-occurring disorders” are often used interchangeably. While the two terms are similar in many cases, key differences between them are important to understand when creating effective recovery plans.
For those suffering from mental health disorders, addiction, or other health concerns, properly understanding and communicating one’s situation is essential for taking steps toward progress and recovery.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis, also sometimes called “comorbidity,” is a term used to refer to any two different diseases or disorders that are affecting an individual at the same time. These diagnoses can be anything and aren’t limited to any one kind of diagnosis.
For example, those who have diabetes and high blood pressure can be classified as having dual diagnoses, as they are suffering from both of these things at the same time.
However, dual diagnosis can also be used to describe diseases of any kind, from internal organ issues to mental health disorders. Those who suffer from dual diagnoses often have complicated recovery paths ahead of them, as they have to juggle the symptoms of multiple diagnoses at the same time.
However, comorbidity may also occur as a person seems to overcome one disease only for another to emerge as a result. These sequential diagnoses are often still linked with each other in some way.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders, or co-diagnosis, are a more specific subcategory of dual diagnosis that refers to an individual who suffers from a substance use disorder or addiction and a mental health disorder. For some, this can mean they have developed a mental health disorder due to their use of drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances or practices.
However, others will develop co-occurring disorders as they attempt to self-medicate their anxieties, depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health concerns with addictive substances. Regardless of if mental health begets the use of addictive substances or the other way around, co-occurring disorders require an individual to address both their mental health and self-medication practices simultaneously to move towards a sustained healing practice.
Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders can look different to each person, as an individual will have their own unique relationship with an addictive substance and their unique mental state. However, some symptoms of co-occurring disorders are:
Addiction
Inability to focus
Isolation
Difficulty maintaining employment
Financial complications
Difficulty in relationships
Mood swings
Irrational emotional responses
Left unaddressed, further mood and personality disorders can continue to develop and may leave an individual feeling “trapped” in their own cycle of self-destruction.
However, co-occurring disorders can also refer to physical diagnoses that come from one’s use of drugs or alcohol, such as liver disease, HIV, cancer, or anything else that can be tied to or affected by one’s use of an addictive substance.
Dual Diagnosis vs Co-Occurring Disorders: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference in the discussion of dual diagnosis vs co-occurring disorders comes down to the nature of the diagnosis. Co-occurring disorders are specifically tied to the use of an addictive substance, such as cocaine, heroin, alcohol, or methamphetamines, and the effect those substances have on a person’s mental health.
On the other hand, dual diagnosis can refer to any two conditions affecting a person at the same time, regardless of whether substance use is involved. While all co-occurring disorders fall under the umbrella of dual diagnosis, not all dual diagnoses are considered co-occurring disorders. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have important distinctions.
Taking the First Step Toward Treatment
Treating either co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses can be a difficult task. Commonly, an individual will not realize there are multiple different sources of symptoms at first and instead conclude that they are suffering from one diagnosis. Identifying the different symptoms and working with professionals to determine the nature of one’s diagnosis is paramount, commonly beginning with primary care physicians or intake questionnaires from mental health and addiction counseling professionals.
However, addressing these diagnoses needs to be done in a holistic manner — meaning all of them must be addressed simultaneously. For those suffering from co-occurring disorders, addressing one’s mental health component without touching on their use of an addictive substance can leave many gaps in their resulting coping strategies.
Likewise, addressing one’s use of an addictive substance without acknowledging the underlying mental health concerns that may have caused one to turn to these substances in the first place can commonly and quickly lead to relapse.
Determining the nature of your diagnosis is paramount for then building an appropriate recovery plan, filled with personalized approaches based on your interests, responses to particular therapies, and any specific advice provided by trained professionals who are familiar with all of the diagnoses that you are suffering from.
Frequently Ask Questions:
• What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis, or comorbidity, refers to any two different diseases or disorders affecting an individual simultaneously. These can be any combination of medical or mental health conditions.
• What are co-occurring disorders?
Co-occurring disorders is a specific type of dual diagnosis that describes an individual suffering from a substance use disorder or addiction and a mental health disorder.
• Are all co-occurring disorders a form of dual diagnosis?
Yes, all co-occurring disorders fall under the broader umbrella of dual diagnosis, but not all dual diagnoses are considered co-occurring disorders.
• What are some symptoms of co-occurring disorders?
Symptoms can vary but often include addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, mood swings, difficulty maintaining employment or relationships, and financial complications.
• Why is it important to treat co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses simultaneously?
Addressing these diagnoses holistically and at the same time is crucial. Treating only one condition without addressing the other can often lead to gaps in coping strategies or a quick relapse.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the complexities of a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, we want you to know that you are not alone. At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate these intertwined conditions. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, holistic care that addresses all aspects of your health simultaneously. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can begin your journey toward lasting recovery. We're here to help you take that crucial first step. Call us today at (435) 222-5225 to learn more about how we can support you.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
