What does it mean to have a dual diagnosis? Many people with mental health issues also suffer from addiction. Sometimes it is because people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their mental health issues. In other cases, it is because addiction can lead to mental health issues. For example, people may become depressed due to the social isolation and financial distress caused by substance abuse. No matter what the cause of the connection between substance abuse and mental health is, it is important to seek professional help.
These scenarios are known as dual diagnosis, and it can be challenging to diagnose properly. Thankfully, there are ways for you to get the help and treatment you need. If you are curious about how to get properly diagnosed for dual diagnosis, reach out to Insight Into Action Therapy today at 703.935.8544. Our dual diagnosis treatment specialists can provide you with the best care for your addiction and mental health issues. We are here to help you every step of the way on your journey toward recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Symptoms
There are several symptoms that can indicate a dual diagnosis disorder. If you have any of the following signs and symptoms, it is essential to reach out to your doctor for evaluation:
- Substance abuse as a way to cope with mental health issues or vice versa
- Withdrawal from activities, family, or friends due to substance use
- Inability to control substance use
- Using more of the substance than intended Increasingly hostile or violent behavior when using a substance
- Experiencing physical symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking, or vomiting when not using the substance
- Depression or anxiety that worsens with continued use of a particular drug
If you or someone you know is displaying any of the symptoms above, it is important to seek help. Dual diagnosis treatment can help address both substance abuse and mental health issues to give individuals a better chance at long-term recovery.
How To Get Diagnosed for Dual Diagnosis
There are a few steps to getting properly diagnosed for dual diagnosis:
Understand the Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Before you can get a proper diagnosis, it’s important that you understand the symptoms of dual diagnosis. Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, substance abuse, and difficulty controlling impulses or behavior. If you think that you may be suffering from a dual diagnosis disorder, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
Make an Appointment With Your Primary Care Physician
Once you have identified the symptoms of your condition, the next step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). The PCP will assess your overall health and may refer you to specialists if they believe that further testing is necessary. During this appointment, make sure that your doctor is aware of any mental health issues or substance abuse issues that you are currently dealing with so that they can provide an accurate assessment of your condition. It’s also important to note any family history or other factors that might suggest a dual diagnosis disorder since these could play into the diagnosis process.
Seek Treatment From Specialists
Depending on your PCP’s assessment of your condition, they may refer you to specialists such as psychiatrists or psychologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders as well as substance abuse disorders. These specialists can conduct comprehensive assessments to determine if a dual diagnosis disorder exists and then provide proper treatment for the condition if necessary. They will also take into account any other medical conditions or medications that might affect their assessment in order to ensure accuracy when diagnosing and prescribing treatment options.
Get Diagnosed for Dual Diagnosis at Insight Into Action Therapy
Taking the time and effort needed to understand dual diagnosis can go a long way toward getting the help and treatment necessary for recovery from mental health issues as well as addiction issues. Contact Insight Into Action Therapy in Northern Virginia today at 703.935.8544. We are here to help you every step of the way.
