The work was developed with the people hospitalized in the period of 1 year in a psychiatric clinic in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil. 175 patients who presented dual diagnosis were evaluated.

The research aims to know the distribution of the most frequent psychiatric diagnosis associated with the disorders for the use of psychoactive substances. The work also has as objective to assess the treatment of patients carrying these disorders so that there is a better efficiency of the individual treatment plan.

The work consisted of the evaluation of all patients who were admitted to the clinic in the period of 1 year, using the ICD-10 for the diagnosis of dual pathologies. All the patients were assessed by the multiprofessional team, composed by general practicioner, psychiatrist, psychologist, pharmaceutic, therapist in chemical dependence, family therapist and physiotherapist. The patients were treated with the use of psychopharms, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, 12-step program, art therapy and moderate physical activity. Family members of all patients were also interviewed.

In the evaluation conducted by the team, it was found the following distribution of the most frequent diagnosis associated to disorder for the use of psychoactive substances: depression (26.3%), personality disorder (22.9%), bipolar disorder (22.3%), non-schizophrenic psychosis (12.6%), schizophrenia (9.1%), and other diagnosis (6.8%).

The formulation of the dual diagnosis provided a better approach of the patients on the part of the team, promoting the strengthening of the therapeutic bond and causing positive impact on the evolution of these disorders.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.