Treatment for personality and dual pathology

At Future Function Rehabilitation and Detox Center we offer treatment for personality and dual pathology, eating disorders and several forms of addiction. In alliance with Fundación Clínica Función Futuro, we have over 20 years of experience all together and a team of highly specialized professionals, fully committed towards providing you with integral health from the perspective of science and spirituality. You will receive first-category service. With our effective and widely accepted personalized treatment methods (thanks to the interdisciplinary work they demanded) we are nowadays one of the finest options for obtaining solutions to problems that may have a strong impact on your life quality. 

What is dual pathology?

Dual pathology refers to cases in which individuals present both a mental disorder and a substance use or addiction disorder. These cases have traditionally been considered independent procedures from the etiologic viewpoint, that is to say, due to the causes behind their origin; however, it is really difficult to define whether they are separate entities or not. As a result of the manifestations typical of dual pathology, a treatment for personality and dual pathology is required so as to reduce complication risks, including relapses, frequent psychiatric hospitalization, suicidal behavior, neuropsychological deterioration, poly-consumption and a deficient life quality.

How is personality affected in patients with dual pathology?

Upon explaining mental disorders, the personality component is of great importance, as it allows to look more closely and broadly to the key aspects for treatment. Among the most common mental disorders in patients with dual pathology are borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, which accounts for the reason why patients with dual pathology usually display more impulsiveness, sensation seeking, avoidance of damage, poor self-direction and cooperation level and high neuroticism as well as maladaptive behaviors and almost no resources for recovery and for maintaining abstinence/withdrawal; all this in comparison with people who have a single disorder, whether of mental nature or due to substance use.

What is taken into consideration to determine a course of treatment?

Personality implications in dual pathology allow to determine the most effective strategies for managing maladaptive personality characteristics, which is why studying them is crucial in the treatment for personality and dual pathology we offer at Future Function Rehabilitation and Detox Center, the Clinic and the Foundation. With a vision of the personality traits frequent in pathology patients, whether for those who only have one or more addictions or mental disorders, it is possible to boost the therapeutic approach.

Which personality traits are common in people with dual pathologies?

Personality traits in dual pathology include, as already mentioned, sensation seeking, impulsiveness, poor persistence and effort level, significant avoidance of damage and neuroticism, among others. On one hand, sensation seeking is mainly observed in patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, who display a form of behavior which leads them to situations where they can experience intense, generally dangerous, emotions; in addition, they are susceptible to getting bored and are usually uninhibited, unrestrained.

In regards to impulsiveness, that is, acting with no forethought or consideration for consequences whatsoever, this type of behavior is common in patients with dual disorder displaying the symptoms referenced before, particularly those who suffer from schizophrenia. One of the main problems of this trait is that it increases the individual’s vulnerability towards drug consumption as well as the progression towards addiction resulting from an increase in anxiety in relation to consumption.

Low levels of persistence, that is, an inferior capacity to reach goals despite the occurrence of difficulties, is one more of the risks of temperament that have been identified in patients with dual pathology, which strongly threatens treatment completion and maintenance of abstinence from substance use. In connection with damage avoidance, a tendency to keep away from uncertainties and worries, often expressed as social shyness, those who suffer from a dual disorder have a weaker recovery prognostic in comparison with patients ill with only one mental disorder or a single substance use disorder.

Out of the personality factors mentioned above, neuroticism is probably the least familiar one because it is not an everyday-use term; neuroticism is about the presence of negative emotions such as worry, insecurity, tension, fear and extreme sensitivity towards criticism. Neuroticism is predominantly accentuated in patients with schizophrenia and anxiety disorder with an alcohol dependence. Finally, patients with a double pathology display low levels of extroversion and likability, which becomes a problem in becoming adapted to social norms and being empathetic.

Self-direction and self-transcendence account for the difficulties experienced by patients in assuming their responsibility in their treatment and being considered a fundamental piece in their coping process. Finally, another risk identified is that of low cooperation, which generates a tendency to being selfish, hostile and/or distant in interpersonal relationships.

In connection with self-transcendence, the propensity to keep a chaotic vision of the world, scarce sensitivity and a feeling of emptiness are common in people diagnosed with dual pathology, as well as lack of self-direction, the projection of guilt towards oneself, low self-esteem, and absence of congruent personal habits.

Why resort to specialized service for your treatment?

Due to the complexity of the study of dual pathology, an integrative, comprehensive approach is of great importance, as it makes it possible to associate the most maladaptive personality traits patients display, traits which may pose risks in people’s treatment and recovery. With different studies and permanent analysis it is possible to adapt and personalize the treatment for each person separately, thus offering therapeutic excellence through unified programs for treating the two pathologies together.

Allow us to remind you that at Fundación and Clínica Función Futuro we are on of the finest options for treatment of personality and dual pathology. If you wish to obtain detailed information on the services we offer, or if you would like to make an appointment with us, do contact us and we will be glad to assist you; we will present you with an alternative tailored to your needs which will allow you to preserve a good life quality.