Comorbidity
What is Comorbidity?
Comorbidity refers to the coexistence of two or more disorders or diseases in the same individual, often interacting in a way that affects the course and prognosis of both. This term can be applied broadly in medicine but is particularly significant in the field of mental health.
What are implications for Diagnosis and Treatment?
The presence of comorbid conditions can complicate the clinical management of each condition, necessitating a holistic and integrated approach to treatment that addresses all identified disorders.
What is the relation to Co-Occurring Conditions and Dual Diagnosis?
Comorbidity encompasses what is also known as co-occurring conditions or, more specifically, dual diagnosis when referring to the combination of mental health and substance use disorders. While comorbidity can refer to any combination of chronic or mental health conditions, co-occurring conditions and dual diagnosis often focus on the mental health spectrum.
