Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more health conditions at the same time in a single individual. In psychology, it often describes when a person has multiple mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, together.
Comorbidity complicates diagnosis and treatment, as conditions can interact and worsen each other. For example, substance abuse may develop alongside PTSD, making recovery more complex.
Understanding comorbidity is essential for holistic care—treating just one disorder without addressing the other often limits progress.