Must Know Information about Dual
Diagnosis - A More Complicated Mental
Illness
People facing problems with AOD (alcohol and other drugs) may also suffer from mental health issues at
some point in their life. This particular condition is known as ‘Dual Diagnosis’. Also knows as ‘Comorbid
Disorders’, ‘Comorbidity’ or ‘Co-occurring Disorders’, Dual Diagnosis involves misuse of legal or illegal
drugs leading to mental issues like psychosis, anxiety or depression.
It is difficult to explain which will come first whether the problematic use of AOD or mental issue as
there are several reasons that can also be the cause behind the increase of the risk which are
mentioned-below:
 Person already diagnosed with mental illness using AOD to cope
 Use of AOD for social reasons, out of curiosity or for fun
 Family or financial problems leading to both mental health problems or AOD
Highlighting the effects of Dual Diagnosis
Just like any other mental issues, Dual Diagnosis, besides, affecting the patient, also affects the people
around them. It leads to issues with education, employment, relationships and hampers the social and
day-to-day life. The effects of Comorbid Disorders depend on many factors such as the type and severity
of mental illness, type and regularity of use of drugs and age and health. However, if it is noticed at the
early stage and timely professional treatment is sought, the chances of getting cured quickly will be
more.
Consequences of Dual Diagnosis
 Social isolation
 Physical problems for e.g., infections
 Suicidal tendencies
 Anti-social behavior
 Violent nature
Identifying Dual Diagnosis is rather a tricky thing to do. After years of practice can only one understand
that whether the issues are because of AOD, mental illness or a combination of both? Its treatment
takes more time because two conditions are to be cured in the case of Dual Diagnosis. The relapse

period is also worse because one leads to another. So once a person is out of the hospital, the support
‘of family and friends is highly needed.
As mentioned earlier in the article that one of the many reasons behind Dual Diagnosis can be because
of social reasons (party, etc.), metro cities such as Delhi needs no introduction when it comes to such
“social reasons”. Luckily there are several psychiatric hospitals in Delhi as well to do right and help
people find the right treatment for such bad habits. If someone in your family is using AOD excessively
and is showing any unusual symptoms, you need to take them to such hospitals and save their life.