Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorder is also know as a "dual diagnosis". It also refers to substance use (abuse or dependence) and mental disorders occurring together in one person. Clients said to have co-occurring disorder have the following:

one/more disorders relating to the us of alcohol and/or drugs of abuse and
one/more mental disorders.

At least one disorder of each type must be established independently of the other and is not simply a cluster of symptoms resulting from one disorder (or one type of disorder). The most common types of co-occurring disorders include mood, anxiety, psychotic, eating, personality, and behavior disorders.

Treating a co-occurring disorder include:

Dual care by a professional for both disorders so that treatment runs parallel.
Treatment strategy that includes the client's love ones. Spouses, children, and other familiar members of the household should has to have inclusion. (Support is important)
Medication needs validation as acceptable forms of helpful treatment. Pharmaceuticals such as anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants are helpful in treating co-occurring disorders.
A support system that helps build confidence, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms.

The therapy for co-occurring disorders include group therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy.