A2: How common are co-occurring conditions and why are they of concern?

Key Points

• Mental disorders are common among clients of AOD services.
• The most common co-occurring mental disorders are anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders.
• In addition to those with mental disorders, there are a number of people who present to AOD treatment who display symptoms of disorders while not meeting criteria for a diagnosis of a disorder.
• Although people with co-occurring mental health conditions may have more complex profiles, they have been found to benefit as much from traditional AOD treatment methods as those without co-occurring mental health conditions.