Dual Diagnosis Theory

When people become immobilized or nonfunctional in their daily activities and relationships as a result of a combination of mental illness and substance abuse they are identified as having a dual diagnosis.

Challenges

• Mental illness and substance abuse are treated together with dual diagnosis theory.

  It is challenging to determine whether mental illness is a result of substance abuse or substance abuse is a result of mental illness. Dual diagnosis theory says it doesn't matter which came first and advocates treating both illnesses simultaneously.

Differences

• Psychiatric treatment goals can differ from addiction models.

  Treatment goals for psychiatric health differ from addiction treatment. Foundations recovery network explained, "The primary treatment goal in recovery model is abstinence from mood-altering substances. The psychiatric model stresses emotional stability through the use of medication."

Integration

• Addiction and psychiatric treatment models are intertwined.

  HealthyPlace.com describes how dual diagnosis therapy works. "The same health professionals work in one setting providing appropriate treatment for both mental health and substance abuse. Interventions are bundled together offering consistent treatment with no division between mental health and substance abuse."

History

• An outpatient psychiatric program began dual diagnosis theory in 1984.

  Kathleen Sciacca, founding director for a mental illness and substance abuse program in New York created the dual diagnosis model in 1984. She said its goal "was providing nonjudgmental acceptance of all symptoms and experiences related to both mental illness and substance disorders."

Statistics

• People with mental illness are more at risk for substance abuse.

  The Journal of American Medical Association reports that "roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse."

Considerations

• Training in both substance abuse and mental health are assets with dual diagnosis patients.

  Health care providers that use dual diagnosis theory are able to identify patient diagnoses and create a treatment plan that addresses both diseases. The most effective treatment is with a provider that has expertise in both fields.