Mental Health Medical Management

 

When you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems.

About 50% of those with addiction have mental health disorders and about 50% of those with mental health disorders have addiction disorders.  It is likely many people with mental health disorders attempt to self-treat themselves with illicit substances thus initiating or perpetuating substance abuse.

In co-occurring disorders, both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life's difficulties, and relate to others. To make the situation more complicated, the co-occurring disorders also affect each other. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse. And when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too.

Some of the commonly diagnosed mental health problems in addiction include:

• Anxiety and mood disorders

• Attention deficit disorder

• Bipolar disorder

• Personality disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Schizophrenia

 

Other mental health problems that commonly co-occur with substance abuse or addiction include Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, and PTSD.

Substance abuse problems and mental health issues don't get better when they're ignored—in fact, they are likely to get much worse, while feeding each other—it's important to know that you don't have to feel this way.  There is help available.  Discuss with your physician if you believe you suffer from any of the mental health features below or others.  Our physicians are experienced in managing mental health disorders that occur with addiction.  You can be offered counseling, medication, and referrals to community resources or psychiatrists if indicated.

 

Below are features of the most common of these mental health disorders:

 

      Usual features of depression:

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness

• Loss of interest in daily activities

• Inability to experience pleasure

• Appetite or weight changes

• Sleep changes

• Loss of energy

• Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Concentration problems

• Anger, physical pain, and reckless behavior (especially in men)

 

        Usual features of anxiety:

• Excessive tension and worry

• Feeling restless or jumpy

• Irritability or feeling “on edge”

• Racing heart or shortness of breath

• Nausea, trembling, or dizziness

• Muscle tension, headaches

• Trouble concentrating

• Insomnia

 

        Usual features of attention deficit disorder: 

• Careless in School or Work

• Distractibility and Problems Sustaining Your Attention

• Procrastination and Lack of Follow Through

• Messy Desk or Office

• Can’t Sit Still

• Losing Track of Things, Instructions or Shopping Lists

• Fidgety and Restless

• On the Go, Hyperactive

 

        Usual features of mania in bipolar disorder:

• Feelings of euphoria or extreme irritability

• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs

• Decreased need for sleep

• Increased energy

• Rapid speech and racing thoughts

• Impaired judgment and impulsivity

• Hyperactivity

• Anger or rage