top of page

Dual diagnosis

Definition

of

Dual diagnosis

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

from

NICE Guideline NG58 - Coexisting severe mental illness and substance misuse: community health and social care services

Dual diagnosis usually refers to mental illness combined with substance misuse. But it may also be used to describe a number of other conditions, including physical health problems. In the UK social care sector, the term is sometimes used for people who have both a learning disability and a mental illness.

If a flag appears next to this message, click on it to see others' comments about this definition

See discussion

Plain English definition

of

Dual diagnosis

Think Local Act Personal

from

Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) Jargon Buster

A combination of severe illness and problematic drug or alcohol use. These two things are closely linked for many people. People with a dual diagnosis often have serious physical, social and psychological problems.

If a flag appears next to this message, click on it to see others' comments about this definition

See discussion

Discussion

about

Dual diagnosis

Discussion

from

Project team

NICE definition is broader than TLAP definition, which implies that drug or alcohol abuse is always a factor.

If a flag appears next to this message, click on it to see others' comments about this definition

See discussion

Synonym of
Not to be confused with
See also
See other terms relating to
Use instead of
Parent of
Consider using instead
Child of

Comment on definitions of

Dual diagnosis

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page