Dual diagnosis.

Although the problem of patients with dual diagnoses is not new, it has only been in the last few years that their unique and complex problems have begun to be addressed. This recognition coincides with society's concern regarding the magnitude of substance abuse problems in general. Currently, treatment consists of integrating concepts from substance abuse and mental health fields. This integration may improve the therapeutic outcome for these patients. As more experience is gained in this specialty, it is hoped that new treatment concepts will evolve that will more powerfully address the interactive aspect of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.