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Comorbidity

Introduction

"The coexistence of [both] conditions... is a particular challenge for GPs as the two...combine to produce substantially poorer health and greater impairment of function than would normally be attributed to either on its own"
Andrews et al. (1999, p. 19); McCabe & Holmwood (2003, p. 5)

Various terms are used, often interchangeably, including:

dual diagnosis
coexisting disorders
coexisting mental illness
comorbidity

For more information on Comorbidity and Coexisting Mental Illness refer to the chapter in the Handbook for Health Professionals, Chapter 18 'Coexisting Mental Illness' (PDF 119 KB). Also refer to the section in the Resource Kit, 'Comorbidity'.

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