Background: Co-morbidity between mental illness and addiction is a common occurrence in psychiatric care. Such co-morbidity affects the illness and the prognosis of the treatment as well as the caregiving needs of the patient. International studies show that nurses experience certain impediments in caring for patients with co-morbidity. There is, however, a lack of national research in the same regard.

Aim: The aim of the study was to describe nurses' experience in caring for patients with co-morbidity in psychiatric care

Method: Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses working in either psychiatric in-patient, or out-patient care. The interview-data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: The result is presented in three categories; To meet and to treat, To identify caregiving-needs and To devise and execute care. Nurses described the importance of creating a trusting relationship free from bias, in order to explore the patients´ complex of problems and plan caregiving efforts accordingly.

Conclusion: The result of the study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient in order to meet patients´ needs and develop the care of patients with co-morbidity. A therapeutic relationship takes time to develop and constitutes the frame within which the nurse can identify the caregiving needs of the patient and devise and execute care. The nurses in the study felt that they lacked time and resources to adequately meet the caregiving needs of patients with co-morbidity, and there is room for development within the organization.