Dual diagnosis is a growing problem in Western society, despite which there are no large studies examining this issue, nor specific protocols to address them.

To raise awareness of the importance of dual diagnosis both its prevalence and special features that presents need a different performance plan from them separately.

Comprehensive literature review of all published in the last 2 years, as well as the specific features.

Dual diagnosis has very specific characteristics that we must know in order to develop therapeutic strategies adapted to the present conditions.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.