2. Be aware that many psychiatric conditions can "look" different in someone with a developmental disability. For instance, if you are observing a 30-year old man & he appears to be talking to himself that might be considered a psychiatric manifestation. On other hand, if you observing a 30 year old man with developmental delays (& therefore a cognitive age of 4) who is talking to himself he may simply be engaging in verbal rehearsal, a developmentally normal milestone at that developmental age (4). Bottom line -- be sure you know what you're dealing with.

3. Do your medication homework Because of complex nature of their diagnosis, these individuals tend to end up on multiple medications. As a support person, you need to be highly educated about possible side effects & interactions of these medications & constantly on alert. All too often, medication side effects are reported as "new" symptoms & "treated" with additional medication rather than simply reducing or eliminating medication causing side effect.

4. Find right doctor & psychiatrist to complement your team To successfully support individuals with a dual diagnosis you need a knowledgeable team. That includes both your doctor & your psychiatrist. To be effective they will need to be:

** familiar with developmental disabilities as well as mental health issues

** up to date on medications, medication side effects/interactions & new treatment options

** willing to research unusual symptom presentations &

** willing to listen to input from those who know person best -- namely you & your direct support staff.

5. Create flexible, well-trained support staff To be successful, especially in a community setting, an individual with a dual diagnosis will need to be surrounded by a support network that understands both nature of their mental health condition, how it interacts with their developmental disability, & how to adjust their support procedures during mental health episodes.

How Amy is successfully dealing with her Systemic Lupus Condition through her faith and her Significant Other Support

How Amy Copes with Lupus. In summary, Amy is coping with her Lupus. It isn't easy. She's finding out daily it's far from impossible to survive with Lupus.Note: This is one woman's coping. It's not meant to be a general statement on every person's way of dealing with this disability.">

Preliminary note: Amy is an alias privacy reasons. She is a real woman. She and I have been long time dear friends First a little primer on Lupus. Lupus is a chronic anti-inflammatory, auto-immune disease. There are basically two forms, discoid and systemic. The former is characterized by a rash across cheeks and nose. It is butterfly shaped and makes person look somewhat wolf like. Lupus wolf in Latin.

Amy has second much more serious type. This version attacks mostly women of child bearing age. It can adversely affect all systems of body> Mostly like joints, liver, kidneys and nervouse system. She was in her mid thirties when she was diagnosed. I remember her reaction. She was greatly distressed, in tears, deeply worried about her future. Her lover, Joanna of over two decades was there to comfort her. She still is there to be of help and care.

Amy takes medication to cope with her her joint inflammation and pain. Her prescription drugs are prescribed by her rheumatologist. Amy felt her specialist not only was quite knowledgeable about her condition but of equal importance he was a genuinely caring of her Unfortunately he is retiring soon. She hopes and prays that she finds a doctor that is as knowing and caring as him.