Signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis

Both mental health and substance misuse problems affect an individual physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually. The symptoms of each interfere with a person's ability to function effectively and affect his/her relationship to themselves and with others.

Signs of substance misuse  Blue pills or medication

  • Needing to increase the amount taken to get the same effect
  • Feelings of dependency or fear of stopping
  • Withdrawal symptoms if someone stops taking the drug for a short time
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Negative or changed outlook on life
  • Loss of motivation
  • Poor performance in work or education
  • Problems with relationships
  • Borrowing or stealing money friends and family
  • Being secretive

Symptoms of mental illness 

Information about the symptoms of various mental health conditions can be found on the Information about Mental Illnesses and Disorders page.  

Rethink Advice & Information Service provide factsheets on the following conditions; Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and depression.

These are available to download from www.rethink.org/factsheets or by calling 0300 5000 927