People who have any combination of two or more substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders are diagnosed as having a co-occurring condition, or dual diagnosis. There are several factors that contribute to the onset of multiple conditions. Certain people have a higher genetic risk for developing these disorders, and their environment can contribute as well.
Living with two mental illnesses is a challenge, but co-occurring disorders are treatable. The key is to find a facility that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. This way, you can be correctly diagnosed and treated for both disorders simultaneously.
CTRLCare Behavioral Health offers co-occurring treatment in New Jersey. We are equipped to treat all types of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders and other behavioral problems. Let’s explore more on this issue and the importance of managing both conditions.
Living with Co-Occurring Mental Illness
Co-occurring disorders often refer to having a substance use problem and a mental health problem. However, it’s important to recognize that it’s possible to have more than one mental illness at one time. It’s not as common to have two mental health disorders as it is to have a substance use and mental health disorder, but it still happens enough.
People who struggle with multiple mental illnesses are also at a higher risk for substance use. This makes managing the disorders more complicated, and it eventually takes a toll on everyday functioning. Symptoms can also overlap, making it difficult to know what problem is causing what symptoms.
Another issue that people with co-occurring conditions often face is trauma. Research has shown that there is a definite link between traumatic experiences and mental health issues later on in life. If you are living with more than one mental illness, you may be struggling with past trauma and require trauma therapy in Princeton NJ.
Identifying Dual Diagnosis
It’s more difficult to diagnose and treat multiple conditions at once, but it is possible. The key is to get a proper diagnosis in the first place. You can be screened for dual diagnosis by your doctor, a treatment center or another medical professional. There are different screening tools that are used, such as the Mental Health Screening Form III or the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms.
Screening tools are just that – a way to screen for mental illness. They do not diagnose any conditions. Therefore, if you do test positive, you can expect to take additional tests and assessments to determine the extent of your symptoms and what’s causing them.
Co-Occurring Treatment in New Jersey
When you choose a treatment facility like CTRLCare Behavioral Health, you can access the support tools you need. While we do not provide addiction recovery treatment in Princeton NJ for drugs and alcohol, we do treat a wide range of mental health problems. This allows us to focus on providing the highest level of care for people struggling with their mental health.
With a proper diagnosis, we can start you on co-occurring treatment, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy , medications and trauma therapy in New Jersey. Our goal is to provide treatment for each condition while also treating them simultaneously. We also teach our clients essential life skills, coping skills and social skills.
To learn more about how we can help you manage your co-occurring disorders, contact the admissions department at CTRLCare Behavioral Health today.
