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.
Not only is an individual affected by the symptoms of two diagnoses, but the symptoms from each may interact with one another and exacerbate the severity of each disorder making relapse more likely.
The diagnosis of a mental health problem must be made by a doctor or psychiatrist, but as the symptoms of drug induced psychosis and psychotic illness can overlap and even mask each other making an accurate diagnosis and giving appropriate treatment can be very difficult.
It is important that if you suspect someone you know to have a drug or alcohol problem and is showing signs of mental illness, or where someone with a mental illness is misusing drugs and/or alcohol that you talk to them about getting a mental health assessment or a review of their treatment.
The diagnosis of a mental health problem must be made by a doctor or psychiatrist, but as the symptoms of drug induced psychosis and psychotic illness can overlap and even mask each other making an accurate diagnosis and giving appropriate treatment can be very difficult.
It is important that if you suspect someone you know to have a drug or alcohol problem and is showing signs of mental illness, or where someone with a mental illness is misusing drugs and/or alcohol that you talk to them about getting a mental health assessment or a review of their treatment.
Different mental illnesses have different but often overlapping symptoms. It is important to note that the symptoms of mental illness in someone who has a drug or alcohol problem may vary from someone with a mental illness alone.
Signs and symptoms of substance misuse
It is important to say first that it is easy to make mistakes with regards to signs and symptoms of substance misuse, so care must be taken not to make premature assumptions about individuals. Some signs and symptoms of substance misuse may be:
- Abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, grades, discipline
- Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper
- Withdrawal from responsibility and prolonged depression
- General changes in overall attitude and personality
- Deterioration of physical appearance and self neglect
- Association with known substance misusers
- Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents
- Stealing small items from employer, home or school
