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Raising Awareness about Comorbidities
Raising awareness about comorbidity is important for all health care, health-related and environmental service professionals holding a license, certification or registration. Professional demands and unique aspects of practice-related factors, can increase risks for comorbidity.
Comorbidity means two conditions exist at the same time. For example, someone experiencing alcohol misuse may also be experiencing anxiety. In most cases, people with substance use disorders often experience an underlying mental health challenge that also needs attention.
Below are the Nebraska Licensee Assistance Program’s (NE LAP) answers to common questions about comorbidity and substance use disorder:
What are the common comorbidities of substance use disorder?
There can be any number of mental health concerns for someone who misuses substances as they attempt to self-medicate in an attempt to relieve symptoms. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders related to substance misuse, but schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD can also be present. This is by no means all that could be present.
How are comorbidities recognized? And by who?
A mental health professional can recognize if more than one disorder is present. A provider who is dually credentialed in mental health and substance use is most qualified to make that diagnosis. Obtaining an accurate history of alcohol and substance use and a complete psychological history will also help a licensed professional diagnose a comorbidity accurately.
Does one condition cause the other?
This is a “chicken or the egg” question. Certainly one can cause the other, but an in-depth and accurate assessment must be done to determine the best approach to treatment. It’s important to remember, however, causation is not always related.
What is treatment like?
Treatment referrals for a health care professional diagnosed with comorbidity disorders is best handled by a program like NE LAP or by a professional trained in understanding the additional challenges with comorbidity. Although the NE LAP does not provide direct treatment, the NE LAP is able to refer to providers or treatment centers that offer comorbidity treatment options.
Getting Help
If you or a health care professional you know is experiencing an alcohol or substance-use disorder along with another mental health challenge, it’s important to find support immediately. Please reach out to the Nebraska Licensee Assistance Program (NE LAP) at (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055 to begin the recovery process.
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