What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis, is a combination of two or more substance use disorders and mental disorders, as identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that there are approximately 9.2 million American adults with a co-occurring disorder.
Table of Contents
- What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Common Signs of Co-Occurring Disorder
- Signs of a Co-Occurring Disorder at Work
- Dangers of Self-Medication
- Co-Occurring Disorders in the Workplace Statistics
- What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Co-Occurring Disorders
- Union Members’ Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Disorders
- How Can Union First Help You?
Mood Disorders:
Mood disorders are a mental health class that broadly describes all types of depression and bipolar disorders. Those with a mood disorder may feel like their general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with the circumstances, which interferes with their ability to function. Common mood disorders include:
- Major depression
- Dysthymia
- Bipolar disorder
Anxiety Disorders:
Feelings of anxiety are a normal reaction to stress or trauma in life. However, anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness. With anxiety disorders, there are excessive feelings of fear or anxiety. According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.
Psychotic Disorders:
Psychotic disorders are a group of mental conditions that make it hard for someone to think, make good decisions, respond emotionally, communicate effectively, understand reality, and behave appropriately. Common psychotic disorders include:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophreniform disorder
- Brief psychotic disorder
- Delusional disorder
Personality Disorders:
Personality disorders are a type of mental disorder that involves an unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving. Those with a personality disorder may have trouble perceiving and relating to situations and other people. Types of personality disorders include:
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Avoidant personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Dependent personality disorder
- Histrionic personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
Eating Disorders:
According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.” Eating disorders can be hazardous and impact one’s physical, psychological, and social functions. Common eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
- Pica
- Rumination disorder
Common Signs of a Co-Occurring Disorder
Signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders may vary based on the individual. These are common signs of a co-occurring disorder:
- Turning to drugs or alcohol to cope
- Changes in personality
- Social withdrawal
- Erratic behavior
- Intense bursts of energy
- Aggressive behaviors
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Changes in weight
- Poor hygiene
- Paranoia
- Panic
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Inability to focus
- Dramatic mood swings
Signs of a Co-Occurring Disorder at Work
It’s important to notice if a union member is exhibiting signs of a co-occurring disorder at work. These are signs to look for:
- An unhealthy appearance
- Mood swings
- Erratic behavior
- Easily irritated
- Eating and sleeping changes
- Confusion
- Extreme fear or worry
- Decreased productivity
- Social withdrawal
Dangers of Self-Medication
Many people choose to self-medicate to escape or numb the symptoms of a co-occurring disorder and while that may offer short-term relief, it is more dangerous in the long term. Whether you self-medicate with alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications, self-medication can lead to addiction, more severe mood disorders, and increased health issues.
Co-Occurring Disorders in the Workplace Statistics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7.7 million adults have a co-occurring mental and substance use disorder. Among those with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Additionally, among those with mental illnesses, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.
What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Co-Occurring Disorders
Human resources (HR) departments should know that there are already extreme barriers to seeking co-occurring disorders treatment for union members. Instead of creating additional barriers, employers can offer union members assistance programs and provide options for mental health treatment.
Additionally, should a union member choose to enter co-occurring disorders treatment for union members, HR departments should know that the job and the union member are protected.
Union Members’ Treatment Options For Co-Occurring Disorders
Mental health experts recommend an integrated therapy treatment approach for individuals with co-occurring disorders. An integrated treatment program involves mental health care, substance abuse interventions, housing assistance, and other supportive services. While the specific type of therapy will vary based on the person, multiple therapy treatments are necessary for managing a co-occurring disorder. Two of the most common and effective types of therapy used are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
How can Union First Help You?
If you or a loved one struggles with a co-occurring disorder, seek help from a co-occurring disorders treatment for union members with Union First. Union First is an EAP designed to provide job protection and health services to union members, public union members, and their families. We provide job protection for people in treatment for a co-occurring disorder. Union First offers job protection to clients who are currently receiving co-occurring disorder treatment. We recognize that you have a lot of responsibilities and need time to focus on yourself. That’s why we help our clients stay stable while they receive treatment, ensuring their finances and family roles are protected while they heal. Let’s help you get the career you want and the life you deserve with Union First.