In trying to recover from drug abuse, you may decide to seek the help of a doctor. That may happen, especially if you don’t withdraw from drug abuse naturally. Opting to seek the doctor’s assistance is the best because they understand how the condition should be handled. Additionally, they will detect if you have co-occurring disorders as you continue with the recovery process.
It’s undeniable that not at all times will you have a single disorder. There are chances that you will have more than one when you seek the doctor’s diagnosis. However, it’s fortunate that when you have your doctor at hand, diagnosis of any co-occurring disorders will be possible. To understand better, continue reading this article since the subsequent sections hold a lot for you.
What do we mean by co-occurring disorders?
If it’s your first time to hear about “co-occurring disorders,” you shouldn’t feel worried nor behind the rest. The term refers to a situation where one gets diagnosed with one or more drug abuse disorders. It’s also known as dual diagnosis. The general health of the body depends majorly on the mind. Therefore, if you abuse a substance that hinders your mental health, it’s likely that your general body’s health will be affected too.
You need to know that co-occurring disorders can only be established if only each of the underlying disorders shows symptoms independently. It is impossible to carry out a co-occurring diagnosis if there are only symptoms for one particular disorder. Furthermore, the doctors have to take their time to analyze the situation keenly to know how serious it is. Anything affecting mental health is considered critical. The doctors are always keen to ensure that they have a better understanding of the kind of disorder they are dealing with.
What makes the diagnosis of co-occurring disorder complex?
Unlike other disorders, which can be easily diagnosed by doctors, co-occurring disorders are different. Why? Symptoms of drug abuse can cover the symptoms of mental disorder. Likewise, Symptoms of mental health can also cover the symptoms of drug abuse. That may make the diagnosis confusing.
That is why doctors can’t just make a shallow diagnosis on you and conclude that you have co-occurring disorders during addiction. When you visit a recovery center, you need to give your doctor all the relevant information that they may need. They can also ask you questions to find out if you have co-occurring disorders.
Common questions doctors are likely to ask you
Do you have any eating disorders?
It is most likely that when you have a mental disorder, your eating habits may be hindered. If you don’t like your favorite food anymore, it could be that you have eating disorders. Your doctor can use such signs to diagnose if you have a co-occurring disorder. It can also be easier for the doctor to differentiate if you have an abuse disorder or mental disorder.
How often do you get angry?
Your doctor may want to know if you get hungry even at simple things. The frequency of hunger in you can determine if you are undergoing an abuse or mental disorder. The information you give your doctor about it will be significant in making a further diagnosis.
Have you had any personality change in the past?
A good number of people globally often experience emotional imbalance and mood swings. As a way of getting rid of the symptoms, they may decide to abuse some drugs.
The drugs may only get rid of the symptoms for some time. However, the symptoms may come back stronger than before. They may also affect your mental health. Therefore your doctor may decide to find out if you have had such scenarios. The information you give will help them in knowing how to handle you.
Do you feel depressed at times?
Depression and anxiety can also be signs of mental health disorders. If you have been abnormally depressed, then possibly you have abnormalities in your mental health. That can happen, especially if you are an addict. Your doctor may therefore want to know if you have had such a moment in the past.
Note; There are other questions that doctors may decide to ask you as you strive to recover from addiction. Such questions may help them to find out if there are any co-occurring disorders. Answer the doctor promptly when they do that.
Conclusion
Knowing that you have co-occurring disorders may be difficult. However, you may consider consulting a specialist for guidance if you feel you are not normal. Call us at 772-266-5320.
