Dual Diagnosis

Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorders and Substance and/or Alcohol abuse

What Is Dual Diagnosis (Co-Morbid Condition)?

Dual diagnosis is when a person experiences a mental health condition and a substance abuse issue at the same time. Either condition can develop first and can be very broad. Substances can worsen existing symptoms of mental health disorders and can lead to mental health conditions by impacting one’s moods, thoughts, and behaviors.

Some of the most common types of co-occurring disorders include:

• Major depression with cocaine addiction
• Alcohol addiction with panic disorder
• Alcoholism and poly-drug addiction with schizophrenia
• Borderline personality disorder with episodic poly-drug abuse (being in an intoxicated state without reference to a particular drug).

What Are The Symptoms Of Dual Diagnosis?

Symptoms of dual diagnosis can vary greatly. They include, but are not limited to: Withdrawal from social interactions Sudden changes in behavior Engaging in risky behaviors when under the influence of a substance Loss of control of substance use Increased tolerance and withdrawal from the substance(s)

 Recommended Treatment

Our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are designed to build skills and improve the lives of individuals who struggle with significant mood problems (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.) to decrease problematic mood-related symptoms.

OCHPA offers individual services as well, such as personal psychiatry, psychological assessment, psychological testing. To learn more, click on the Individual Services tab. Our service area covers Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, and all over Orange County