According to the American Psychiatric Association, at least three percent of the United States population has a co-occurring disorder, yet only eight percent of those suffering receive specialized treatment for both their mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Kimberly Dennis, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in eating disorder and addiction treatment and Medical Director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, recommends that those suffering from a co-occurring disorder receive specialized care for all of their disorders with a unified treatment approach. For people with dual diagnosis, this can be the first and most important step to a successful and life-long recovery.
"About 75% of Timberline Knolls residents have a co-occurring disorder," says Dr. Dennis, "I believe this is a strong testament as to how prevalent co-occurring disorders are in our society and how necessary integrated treatment is to get to the root of the disease package. The medical staff at Timberline Knolls works under the assumption that for our residents to only have one single problem to overcome is an exception rather than the rule."
Despite how ubiquitous co-occurring disorders are in the population, treatment options are limited and expensive. Most in-patient treatment facilities specialize in just one disorder or addiction, but without looking at all aspects of a patient's health relapses are far more common. The emotional strain put on patients and their families result in worsened feelings of shame, hopelessness and self-loathing, which only adds to the illnesses.
"Eating disorders, addictions and mental disorders do not exist in a vacuum," Dr. Dennis adds. "At Timberline Knolls we try to look for commonly co-existing psychiatric conditions regardless of a resident's reported symptoms and past diagnosis. In this way, our staff can integrate the findings of our entire psychiatric team with the findings of the residents' prior treatment providers, and treat our residents accordingly."
"By doing this, success rates greatly increase, and our residents have a greater chance of finding lifelong recovery and leading fulfilling, healthy lives – which is what we strive for, with each woman and family we serve at Timberline Knolls," said Dr. Dennis.
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