Dual diagnosis in adolescents and young adults

Adolescents and young adults with both severe mental illness and concurrent substance abuse, known as dual diagnosis patients, are a vulnerable and complex group. Their treatment has historically been divided between mental health and substance abuse services, despite evidence that integrated, coordinated care yields better outcomes. Young patients have distinct needs compared to adults, and research remains limited. Therefore, new initiatives are needed and are currently being developed to strengthen collaborative interventions for this group, as argued in this review.