Dual Diagnosis
A clinical designation for an individual who has been diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and at least one independent mental health disorder.
Full Definition
Dual diagnosis—sometimes termed comorbid disorder or integrated diagnosis—describes the simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and a primary psychiatric disorder in one individual. The term is frequently used in inpatient, residential, and intensive outpatient settings to denote specialized programming designed to address both conditions concurrently rather than sequentially. Editors should be aware that 'dual diagnosis' is now considered less preferred in formal clinical literature, where 'co-occurring disorders' has become the standard term per SAMHSA guidance; however, 'dual diagnosis' remains common in program naming and consumer-facing materials. The two terms should not be freely interchanged without style-guide guidance from the client organization.
Usage
Usage note: 'Co-occurring disorders' is the currently preferred formal term per SAMHSA; 'dual diagnosis' is acceptable in program names and consumer-facing copy but should be flagged in formal clinical or policy documents for possible revision.
In Context
- "The residential program markets itself as a dual diagnosis facility, though internal clinical policies use the term 'co-occurring disorders' throughout." — Marketing and clinical policy cross-reference review
- "A client admitted with a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder was assigned to the integrated treatment track." — Admission assessment report