subject: How Clinicians Must Deal With Dual Diagnosis Individuals [print this page] Those who're suffering from addiction and mental health problems will have dual diagnosis. Having two ailments, the person will be at high risk as every condition will have an influence on the other. Because of the high possibility of relapses for this case, it is important for doctors to have an expertise in their therapy approach.
The therapy for dual diagnosis can only be successful if the physician has adequate experience, abilities and knowledge in the fields of both drug abuse and mental health. With his abilities, the clinician of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers can provide the affected person with an integrated solution.
Clinicians Must Have Excellent Diagnostic Skills
Physicians should be able to make necessary corrections on the diagnosis after evaluation. The therapy process should involve an extensive background of the patient's drug abuse because drug or alcohol use can complicate the psychiatric symptoms of the patient. The doctor must get a full health background of the patient which he can use to develop a good relationship with the loved ones and friends of the patient to obtain more ideas.
Learn to Establish Rapport with the Patient
Developing rapport with the client is a vital principle that supports proper management of dual diagnosis cases. This includes the participation of the physician in all of the therapy stages. While the therapy will aim at allowing the patient to have independence, the physician must help him take care of various situations and practical concerns.
Normally, doctors won't find it simple to give therapy advice when the patient is not engaged enough since this will only raise the possibility that he will not follow the therapy guidelines. Engagement can be promoted when the physician expresses empathy on the condition of the patient and talks to him any problems which the patient can possibly have about the healthcare program.
Provide Continuous Examination
The function of the clinician doesn't end when the patient demonstrates progress and signs of recovery in the early portion of his Drug Treatment. He must continue to evaluate how the patient responds to his treatment and examine how he can enhance the administration of medications and behavioral treatment. Constant support and examination will decrease the possibility of relapses which often result from psychiatric decompensation and aggravation of the psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the role of the clinician must beyond inpatient care because he needs to monitor the health of the patient while the latter is back to his original environment.
