Dual Diagnosis
Whole-Person Education for Healthier Minds & Healthier Bodies
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
The term most often describes someone living with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. It can also describe someone who has a medical condition and a mental health condition that interact with one another.
Medical + Mental Health Examples
Diabetes and depression
Heart disease and anxiety
Cancer and depression
Chronic pain and opioid dependence
Chronic kidney disease and anxiety or depression
Stroke with mood or cognitive changes
Mental Health Dual Diagnoses
Depression and anxiety
ADHD and anxiety
PTSD and depression
Bipolar disorder and anxiety
OCD and depression
Schizophrenia and substance use disorder
Addiction & Self-Medication
Some people turn to alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or other substances to temporarily reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or insomnia. This is called self-medication. Although it may provide brief relief, it often worsens mental health symptoms, increases dependence, and makes recovery more difficult.
Why Integrated Treatment Matters
Both conditions affect each other.
Treating only one condition often leads to relapse or ongoing symptoms.
Integrated care improves physical health, mental wellness, and long-term recovery.
Treatment May Include
Medical and psychiatric evaluation
Medication management when appropriate
Individual or family therapy
Addiction treatment and recovery support
Healthy sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management
Care coordination with other healthcare professionals
When to Seek Help
Symptoms interfere with daily life.
You are using substances to cope with emotions.
Relationships, work, or school are suffering.
You have thoughts of harming yourself or others—seek emergency care immediately.
SHINE Reminder
You are more than a diagnosis. Recovery is possible when healthcare providers treat the whole person—mind and body together.
Ready to Find Relief?
Book an appointment with SHINE Primary & Psych Care
Strength • Healing • Inspire • Navigate • Empower
Compassionate Primary Care • Mental Health • Whole-Person Wellness
This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
