The Myth of the Typical Dual Diagnosis Patient

Differences in mental health, substance use, and other problems among dual diagnosis patients attending psychiatric or substance misuse treatment services

“…It is used to describe a range of different combinations of mental health and substance use problems. It tends to imply more similarities within this population than may actually exist (Weiss, Mirin, & Frances, 1992). Studies have reported the incidence of dual diagnosis within disorder-specific populations (e.g.…”

Anxiety, psychosis and substance use: prevalence, correlates and recognition in an outpatient mental health setting

“…[4][5][6] What is often missed, though, is that people with such dual diagnosis are also at risk of other comorbidities, and these might also impact on both longitudinal outcome and treatment response. 7 Anxiety disorders (AD) are particularly important in this regard, as they are elevated in both those with schizophrenia and those with SUD, and add further complexity to the clinical picture.…”

Treating patients with bipolar disorder and substance dependence: Lessons learned

“…Weiss, Mirin, and Frances (1992) have previously argued that the term bdual diagnosisQ is an oversimplification, and in actuality represents a heterogeneous group of patients, based on specific combinations of types and severity of substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Moreover, bipolar disorder has certain unique characteristics that make patients with this disorder and substance use disorder especially suitable for a specific treatment.…”