Co-occurring mental health disorders and substance addiction are quite common and affect individuals every day. While the presence of both a mental health disorder and addiction doesn’t always occur, it’s essential to address both. Dual-diagnosis is the process of treating both the addiction and mental health disorder by putting an equal emphasis on each. While addiction needs to treated, treating and understanding mental health disorders is also vital.
Understanding Mental Health Disorders-Different Types
There are several different mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders are some examples. Morningside Recovery — a premier addiction and mental health treatment center in Orange County, California — specializes in dual-diagnosis to treat both addiction and mental health disorders. By understanding mental health disorders, we can help people make better choices, every day.
Anxiety
Everyone has experienced anxiety in some capacity or another. Temporary worry or fear is a regular part of life. However, some individuals face anxiety daily. When someone experiences consistent anxiety, it can begin to interfere with a person’s ability to function. If this is the case, they may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are several different types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder causes individuals to experience consistent anxiety and fear for long periods of time. Symptoms of GAD can include:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep problems
Panic disorder, on the other hand, is a disorder that causes unexpected and recurrent panic attacks. Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is an intense fear or worry centered around social situations. Luckily, there are many different treatment options for those who suffer from anxiety including medication and psychotherapy.
Depression
Depression, also known as a major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mental health disorder that affects at least 1% of the population. This disorder causes intense, persistent feelings of sadness over prolonged periods of time.
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Loss of interest in activities
- Decreased energy
- Appetite or weight change
- Aches or pains
Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. There are three different types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Bipolar II Disorder
- Unspecified Bipolar Disorder
People suffering from bipolar disorder may experience manic episodes. Manic episodes can leave a person feeling extremely ‘up,’ exhilarated and energized.
Personality Disorders
According to the American Psychiatric Association, personality disorders are a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectation. Several different types of personality disorders belong to three categories known as ‘clusters.’ If someone is suffering from a personality disorder, the American Psychiatric Association suggests learning about the condition, staying active, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting routine medical care, joining a support group, relaxation and stress management and staying connected with others.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, post-traumatic stress disorder (also known as PTSD) is a disorder that can develop in people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event. After trauma, many people can recover from the experience, naturally. However, when the symptoms of trauma don’t subside it’s likely that they have PTSD. Sometimes, PTSD can come when someone doesn’t experience a dangerous event, but instead, they suffer the loss of a family member or another immediate experience. But more often than not, PTSD develops after the experience of a traumatic, dangerous event.
Morningside Recovery and Mental Health
Treating addiction, as well as any underlying mental health disorders, is a critical aspect of achieving an addiction-free life. After understanding mental health disorders, finding treatment is the next step. Call Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135 to learn more about your options.
