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Many people have more than one official diagnosis in mental health, such as depression and anxiety or anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, for example. Substance use disorders often co-exist with bipolar disorder. While having more than one condition may pose challenges for consumers and require more intensive diagnosis, treatment and therapy, people with co-occurring conditions can get effective treatment.

Many university centers have specialized clinics that have more experience with individuals with comorbidities. Thus, it might be beneficial to consider getting a thorough diagnostic work-up at the specialized university psychiatry department if possible. Then, the treatment recommendations can often be implemented “locally.”

Husseini K. Manji, M.D.
Scientific Council Member
Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience
Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development
Visiting Professor, Duke University