Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders are psychiatric disorders that are occurring along with substance abuse or substance dependence disorders.

More than half of people experiencing alcohol and drug abuse or dependence disorders are also suffering from a co-occurring mental disorder.

Diagnosing a dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorder condition in substance abusers can be difficult, as drug abuse itself often induces psychiatric symptoms.  In determining the correct dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorder diagnosis it is necessary to differentiate between substance induced and pre-existing mental illness.

Self Medication and Drug or Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

Often people suffering from mental disorders attempt to deal with the problem themselves by "self medicating."  It is common for people experiencing mental disorders to feel relief when drinking alcohol or taking drugs, so it is natural that they should start using these substances to alleviate or control their symptoms.

The problem with self medicating a mental disorder is that prolonged use of alcohol and recreational drugs will likely create a condition of pathological dependence.  In addition, use of certain substances may actually increase the symptoms or create new symptoms.

Treatment for Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorders

Summit Malibu's world-class therapists have decades of experience treating the many dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders that often accompany substance dependence.

Click on the links below to learns more about treatment of dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders, such as:

• Anxiety Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bi-Polar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Addiction, Dependence, and Abuse Tests

Summit Malibu offers the following drug addiction, drug dependence, and drug abuse tests and assessments to help people in determining the seriousness of drug and alcohol problems they may be facing.

These tests are not meant to replace a professional evaluation.

As with any potentially life-threatening medical condition, a professional medical assessment is highly recommended.

Summit Malibu is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide a no-cost, no-commitment, confidential evaluation for problems with drug and alcohol addiction and abuse.

Click the links below to view the following addiction, dependence, and abuse tests:

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV)
• International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD 10)
• 20 Questions (Johns Hopkins)
• Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
• Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
• Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
• Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire(SADQ)