Dual-diagnosis and how to overcome the challenges

Dual-diagnosis

Dual- diagnosis is a diagnosis of co-occurring psychiatric disorders among addicts. The traditional view that psychiatric disorders are unrelated to drug dependency had for a long time hampered effective treatment of patients who exhibit both types of disorders. Researchers, through recent studies, have made great strides in understanding and treating addicts with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric and AOD disorders cause similar symptoms and often co-exist in the same patient making it difficult to treat him/her. In these cases, one disorder can influence the course and treatment outcome of the other disorder. 

The existence of two or more different psychological as well as physical disorders in the same patient is referred to as comorbidity. 

Studies indicate that patients with dual diagnoses are more affected and require much more attention in treatment than patients with a single disorder. Besides, they are more prone to suicide because of the double impact of stress and have higher rates of financial distress and legal and medical issues. They need to undergo frequent and longer hospitalisations.

Challenges in treatment

Implementing best practices in Treating patients with co-occurring disorders (CODs) is a significant challenge for several reasons. Right from the low motivation to change among the patients with CODs to poor insight, non-availability of dual diagnostic capable services to poorly trained staff, treating dual diagnosis is not everyone’s cup of tea.

A study reports that 50% of individuals 239 with a mental health disorder have at least one substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis is often associated with reluctance of the patient to follow the treatment programs, more instances of relapse, more suicidal ideations and attempts and other hard to manage psychiatric symptoms. Physicians and psychiatrists often find it difficult to treat such people as the challenges associated are higher than in normal cases.

Challenges in treating addicts

Challenges associated with treatment of patients with dual-diagnosis can be overcome by following an integrated approach and ensuring treatments are properly co-ordinated for the best effect.

Developing an alliance with the patient is the most important aspect as far as CODs are concerned. A number of researchers have confirmed that clients are more responsive when the therapist acts consistently as a nurturing and non-judgmental ally. For example, Petry and Bickel (1999), in a study found that fewer than 25 percent of those with weak therapeutic alliances completed treatment, while more than 75 percent of those with strong therapeutic alliances completed treatment.

Challenges in recovery among addicts

Among the addicts, dual-diagnosis is more complex than the name suggests. The withdrawal symptoms as well as the excessive use of stimulants can produce or mimic symptoms of mental health problems among addicts with dual diagnosis.

People with co-existing disorders often have high support requirements, and poor treatment outcomes there are various barriers to the provision of appropriate support, but equally many opportunities and occasions to improve the lives of those affected. 

How to Overcome the challenges

The challenges related to drug withdrawal and medicine administration start from detox till the end. The patients will need to be closely monitored and managed through a specialised around-the-clock program to manage the side effects. Following Holistic measures, such as well-planned nutritional food, massage therapy, yoga, chiropractic care, mindfulness meditation can be helpful combination therapies to promote healing during treatment and detox as well.

Co-operation is the key to recovery among addicts. Devising treatment programs that are customised and are specific to the tasks and challenges faced at each stage of the COD recovery process is a significant criterion in treating addicts with dual-diagnosis. To use sensible stepwise approaches in developing and using treatment protocols and using markers that are unique to individuals such as those related to their cultural, social, or spiritual context should be considered at every level.