Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is comorbidity and why is it a problem?

"Comorbidity" describes the experience of living with two or more mental health conditions or a mental health condition and a substance abuse condition or problem gambling. Comorbid disorders vary in combination and severity.

The existence of either a mental health or substance abuse disorder increases the likelihood of developing the other disorder. People who experience a mental health issue that is complicated by alcohol misuse and/or drug use have been found to have longer periods of illness, higher rates of mortality and poorer response to treatment, and are less likely to seek treatment.

How common is comorbidity?

The prevalence of comorbidity is hard to measure. The condition varies because it can be comprised of a diverse range of mental health or substance disorders. As a result collecting data to measure the prevalence is challenging.

However, it is known that comorbidity is very common. Many people in treatment for either a mental health or substance use disorder having both conditions.

What are specific issues for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with comorbidity?

Individuals from CALD communities who are living with comorbidity may experience linguistic and cultural barriers when they need access to health services. This means they may fail to obtain appropriate treatment.

Individuals from CALD communities may also have different expectations of support services. A person's cultural background influences the way they approach health and other human services agencies and how they connect and remain connected with these services.

The stigma and shame associated with a mental health or substance abuse problems may make it difficult for individuals or families to ask for help. Beliefs about the causes and treatment of mental illnesses, or attitudes towards substance abuse may result in individuals failing to seek out and engage with treatment services.

 It is known that people from CALD communities are underrepresented in both mental health and drug and alcohol services. Matching clients from non-English speaking community with a bilingual, bicultural clinician has been found to enhance contact with health services.

How can Co-Exist NSW assist?

Co-Exist NSW provides a specialist complementary and cost effective service to CALD communities and is able to provide a holistic, integrated and culturally informed approach to issues of mental illness and substance use. Co-Exist NSW aims to work in partnership with other services to:

• reduce the incidence of misdiagnosis across multiple health issues
• decrease the need for readmission
• increase compliance with coordinated treatment
• increase coordinated access to culturally relevant care.