How to live with Dual Pathology?

Dual pathology is a condition in which a person suffers two disorders that occur at the same time: addiction to substances or other agents and mental disorders. This combination has unique clinical characteristics that can be challenging for both patients and healthcare professionals. In this article we examine how to live with a dual pathology and give recommendations to improve the quality of life of those affected.

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Challenges when working with patients with dual pathology

Working with patients with dual disorders presents unique challenges compared to patients with a single mental disorder. The lack of equipment and specific programs for dual pathology can impede the recovery of the patient. Lack of motivation, constant switching between devices, abandonment of treatment and denial of the disease are common obstacles in the healing process.

It is important that patients recognize both conditions and participate in their management. However, not being aware of one or both ailments makes the recovery process even more difficult.

Symptoms of a double pathology

Dual pathology is characterized by a number of common symptoms. In addition to symptoms of a mental disorder, dual pathology patients also experience detrimental effects of addiction, which can lead to:

• High levels of nervousness and impulsivity
• destruction and violence
• Breach of rules or policies
• Bad routine, contempt for certain habits
• paranoid thoughts
• distortion of reality
• social maladjustment

Diagnostic considerations in dual pathology

When evaluating and diagnosing a patient with dual pathology, it is important that the patient is willing to treat himself.

In addition to their involvement and participation in the therapeutic process, it is important determine if the patient recognizes her condition and shows interest and commitment to treatment. Without patient recognition of the problem and lack of commitment, recovery efforts may be in vain.

• You may be interested in: "Dual Pathology: Causes and Associated Treatments and Disorders"

Interdisciplinary collaboration in dual pathology

Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a fundamental role in the treatment of dual pathologies. According to current scientific evidence, treatment must be tailored to the individual needs of each patient, taking into account a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach. Psychopathological stabilization by psychiatrists and psychologists it is essential to provide a stable base for the treatment of dual pathology. Appropriate continuation of treatment, including both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic, requires the participation of health professionals and the constant support of educators and medical staff.

• Related article: "What is psychotherapy? Main characteristics of this process"

Comorbidities in dual pathology

Dual pathology is usually associated with comorbidities that complicate diagnosis and treatment. Alcohol and tranquilizers are the most common addictions associated with mental disorders in women and cocaine, heroin, and cannabis in men. In addition, social phobia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, psychosis and behavior impulsive.

How do we approach double pathology in Mentalia?

There are several therapeutic strategies and techniques to address the specific challenges that arise when working with dual pathology patients. Some of the people we work with at Mentalia Salud are:

• Promote adherence to a global intervention, lasting and coherent therapeutic links, and create a climate of trust.
• Promote support throughout the recovery process, establishing appropriate interventions for each situation instead of rigid rules.
• Develop individual intervention plans tailored to your needs.
• Communicate to people with dual disorder that the global intervention is a medium or long-term process and adjust their expectations accordingly.
• Set specific therapeutic goals in a short period of time to prevent frustration and increase motivation.
• Encourage the person with dual pathology to progressively assume responsibility for the change process and strengthen their position.
• Explain the consequences of drug use in treatment, possible drug interference and promote knowledge of the disease.

Guarantee comprehensive care and provide quality care to a patient suffering from a dual pathology requires a good infrastructure in a multidisciplinary team that addresses the complexity of this pathology in different areas, both in addictive behaviors and in other psychopathological disorders.

Dual pathology: recommendations for early prevention

Some of the recommendations to support prevention and early intervention in people at risk are to establish support procedures for specialized care and adapt mental health services with specific programs, or create them failing that.

Dual pathology patients should benefit from adequate universal healthcare and have access to treatment programs, with continuity of care ensured through an integrated network of services, including general hospitals and treatment centers focused on patients with substance use disorders substances.

In short, living with dual pathology can be challenging for both patients and healthcare professionals. For this reason, it is necessary to establish specialized care procedures and provide psychiatry services with specific programs for dual pathology or, failing that, develop them.

At Mentalia Salud we are specialized in the treatment of dual pathologies. Discover our specific programs on our website.