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.
