Co-occurring disorder is a term used to denote when a person has not one but two or more mental health disorders. The prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders is high. One study found that 46% of people in the U.S. will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Almost 28% of people will go on to develop a second disorder. Around 17% of the study’s participants were found to have a third disorder. Second and even third disorders are typically detected during treatment for one mental health disorder and may require overlapping treatment.

Are you or your loved one experiencing more than one mental health disorder all at once? Here’s what you should know about treatment options.

What are some common examples of mental health disorders that can be co-occurring?

There are many kinds of mental health conditions that can occur at one time. The presence of certain disorders may increase a person’s likelihood of having a second type of disorder. Some examples of mental health disorders that often co-occur include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) — MDD, or depression, is a mental health disorder that involves persistent episodes of low mood. Depression is typically characterized by a loss of interest in daily activities. It also involves changes in sleep and eating habits. People who have been diagnosed with depression are likely also to develop co-occurring mental health conditions. One of the most common is anxiety disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — PTSD is another mental health condition that co-occurs with several other conditions. Research suggests that nearly 80% of people with PTSD were also diagnosed with at least one or more mental health disorders. Common conditions to occur alongside PTSD include depression and anxiety disorders.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — Obsessive-compulsive disorder is another mental health condition that commonly occurs with other conditions. Research suggests that around 90% of people with OCD have also met diagnostic criteria for one other mental health disorder. Some of the conditions that people with OCD are likely to experience include mood disorders — specifically, major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder. In fact, nearly 48% of people diagnosed with OCD also exhibit the symptoms of a mood disorder. They’re also likely to experience other anxiety disorders, ADHD, and eating disorders.

What treatment options are there for people with co-occurring mental health disorders?

It’s important to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously for the best effect. The most common types of treatment that people with co-occurring disorders undergo include:

• Residential Treatment (RTC) — Residential Treatment is a type of inpatient mental health treatment. It involves an extended live-in stay at a treatment facility. The facility houses many people at once. It provides treatment and professional attention in a healthy, comfortable environment. Many people who undergo residential treatment programs see positive changes.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — A Partial Hospitalization Program involves treatment in a hospital setting. Treatment occurs during the day and allows clients to return home at night. Because they provide a high level of care, partial hospitalization programs can be helpful for those dealing with co-occurring disorders.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — IOPs are another option that can benefit those with more than one mental health disorder. IOPs provide clients with a higher level of support than regular outpatient programs while still allowing clients to remain independent.

Lightfully provides treatment options for clients with two or more co-occurring mental health disorders

Our mission is to provide high-quality mental health care to various clients. This includes those with more than one mental health diagnosis. We believe in using a focused approach to process-based therapy. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. We’re well versed in treating various mental health disorders. That’s why we’re confident that we can help you manage each of your diagnoses, no matter how many you may be dealing with.

Lightfully offers various levels of care to both adults and teens. We provide Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults. Our licensed clinical experts aim to help clients identify the most likely causes of each of their mental health conditions. From there, we make detailed and personalized treatment plans.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.