Dual Diagnosis Treatment (Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders)

Confidential inpatient treatment of dual diagnosis encompassing simultaneous therapy of addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders under full medical and psychiatric supervision. The treatment process is conducted in an integrated manner, without separating psychiatric problems from addiction.

As part of our mental health treatment programme. See also: drug addiction treatment.

What is dual diagnosis

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of an addiction and a psychiatric disorder in the same person. It may involve addiction to psychoactive substances or behavioural addictions, co-existing with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders or personality disorders. In clinical practice, dual diagnosis is a common, complex and high-risk condition requiring treatment within a single, coherent therapeutic model.

When urgent medical attention is required

Urgent medical attention is required if a psychological crisis arises involving suicidal ideation, intent to self-harm, loss of contact with reality, symptoms of acute psychosis, severe disorientation, rapid escalation of anxiety or agitation, aggressive behaviour disproportionate to the situation, or a state in which the patient is unable to ensure their own safety. In any life-threatening or health-threatening situation, emergency services should be contacted immediately by calling 112 or 999.

Why dual diagnosis requires specialist treatment

Addiction and psychiatric disorders mutually reinforce each other. Attempts to treat only one of these areas most frequently lead to relapse of addiction, deepening of psychiatric symptoms, emotional destabilisation, repeated hospitalisations and ineffectiveness of outpatient therapy. Separating addiction treatment from psychiatry is one of the main reasons for therapeutic failures.

Most common dual diagnosis configurations

• alcohol addiction + depression
• drug addiction + anxiety disorders
• medication addiction + insomnia and mood disorders
• behavioural addiction + impulsivity disorders
• addiction + PTSD or trauma-related disorders
• addiction + personality disorders

Each case requires individual differential diagnostics.

Symptoms of dual diagnosis

Psychiatric symptoms

• heightened emotional instability
• chronic anxiety or depression
• sleep disturbances
• impulsivity or withdrawal
• passive suicidal ideation

Addiction-related symptoms

• loss of control over substance use or behaviour
• relapses despite treatment
• use for emotional regulation purposes
• denial of psychiatric problem or addiction

Dual diagnosis treatment at Zeus Detox & Rehab

Treatment is provided exclusively on an inpatient basis, in a clinical environment enabling simultaneous treatment of addictions and psychiatric disorders. The therapeutic model is not sequential - both areas are diagnosed and treated simultaneously, in an integrated and clinically coherent manner. The therapeutic team includes consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and medical staff with experience in complex clinical cases.

Integrated treatment model

Treatment may include medically supervised detoxification (if required), psychiatric treatment, individual psychotherapy, emotional and impulse regulation therapy, work on relapse mechanisms, trauma treatment where present, and aftercare planning. Pharmacotherapy is used only on the basis of clinical indications.

When inpatient dual diagnosis treatment is indicated

Inpatient treatment may be appropriate for individuals with co-occurring addiction and psychiatric disorders, repeated treatment failures, co-occurring depression, anxiety or trauma, or a need for treatment within a single coherent model.

A different level of care is required in acute psychosis requiring closed hospitalisation, immediate life-threatening situations, or where there is no consent to inpatient treatment. Every decision is preceded by individual clinical assessment.