What is the new name for dual diagnosis?

The new name for dual diagnosis is co-occurring disorders (COD).

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Historically, the term "dual diagnosis" emerged in the 1980s to describe individuals experiencing both a severe mental illness and a substance abuse disorder simultaneously. Today, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) officially uses the term co-occurring disorders (COD) to encompass these concurrent conditions. This updated terminology reflects a broader understanding that mental health conditions and substance use disorders often occur together, influencing each other.

The shift to "co-occurring disorders" emphasizes that these conditions are distinct but intertwined, requiring integrated treatment approaches rather than separate ones. It acknowledges the complex interplay between substance use and mental health, highlighting that one can exacerbate or even mimic the symptoms of the other.

Key Aspects of Co-Occurring Disorders

• Integrated Treatment: Effective treatment for COD involves addressing both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder concurrently, often by the same team or within the same program. This contrasts with traditional approaches that might treat one condition before the other.
• Commonality: Co-occurring disorders are quite prevalent. For example, individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to experience substance use disorders than the general population, and vice versa.
• Diverse Combinations: COD can involve various combinations of mental health conditions and substance use issues, such as:
  • Depression and alcohol use disorder
  • Anxiety disorders and opioid use disorder
  • Bipolar disorder and stimulant use disorder
  • Schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder

Dual Diagnosis vs. Co-Occurring Disorders

While "dual diagnosis" is still understood by many, "co-occurring disorders" is the preferred and more comprehensive term in professional and governmental contexts, especially in the United States by agencies like SAMHSA.

For more information on integrated treatment and resources for co-occurring disorders, you can explore information provided by organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).