Okono DuncanPSY492 – Advance General Psychology

M6 – Assignment 3Instructor: DubeAugust 14, 2011

To understand the term co-occurring disorders To ensure that people are aware of Co-

occurring Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Common Disorders that Co-occur with

Substance Abuse To understand the possible causes and

consequences of Co-occurring Disorders To ensure proper assessment and treatment

approaches Barriers to effective treatment for Co-

occurring Disorders

Individuals who have two separate, but interrelated diagnosis, DRA (2009).

A mental disorder that co-exists with alcohol and/or substance abuse (NIH).

An individual who simultaneously has mental illness and abuses alcohol and other substances

50% of individual with severe mental illness also have substance abuse problems

37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one mental illness

Of all individuals diagnosed with mental, 29% abuse either drugs or alcohol

Mood Disorders Major Depression Bipolar Disorder

Anxiety Related Disorders Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder

Severe mental Illness Schizophrenia Schizoaffective Disorder

Depression and Bipolar Disorder are common mood disorders that affect many people and signs and symptoms include but not limited to (Grella, 2003):

A depressed mood Lack of interest in hobbies An excessive sleep Fatigue Inability to concentrate Suicidal thoughts

Psychiatric disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder can lead to dependence on alcohol and other drugs

Psychiatric symptoms often mimic symptoms of substance abuse (depression, mania, invincibility, impaired thinking, low self-esteem, etc..)

People tend to self medicate to alleviate the symptoms of their disorder

Substance abuse usually worsen mental illness

There are many consequences of co-occurring disorders (Perron, B. E., Bunger, A., Bender, K., Vaughn, M. G., & Howard, M. O. (2010):

Increase risk for violence Failure to comply with medication Experience frequent episodes of psychosis More likely to end up in jail or homeless Unsuccessful treatment outcomes The presents of substance abuse and

mental illness is often unrecognizable Family problems

A multiservice approach is absolutely necessary to ensure the cycle does not continue.

Integrated treatment will enable recovery, improve health, and alleviate some of the stress on family.

Higher chance of both disorders being recognized

Individual can be able to get housing, jobs, develop social skills, as well as learn techniques that will help them to stay away from drugs and understand their disorder

Effective treatment include treatment for both disorders and by the same professional in an integrated approach

Psycho educational classes Consistency within treatment model with no division

between the two. Cognitive and behavioral counseling in group

setting, individual, family therapy or a combination of all.

Support Groups (AA, 12 –step, etc.)Social networks that encourage healing should be reinforced

Clients should learn how to be aware of triggers that may lead them back to an unhealthy lifestyle

Cultural sensitivity – services that is tailored towards African American (homelessness, and single mothers)

Relapse prevention

Young, N. K., & Grella, C. E. (1998). Mental health and substance abuse treatment services for dually diagnosed clients: Results of a Statewide Survey of County Administrators. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 25(1), 83. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Harvard Mental Health Letter (2003). Dual Diagnosis: Part I. SIRS Researcher. Retrieved from http://sks.sirs.com.

Harvard Mental Health Letter (2003). Dual Diagnosis: Part II. SIRS Researcher. Retrieved from http://sks.sirs.com.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter (1998). Depression. Retrieved from SIRS Researchers.

Minkoff, K. (2006). A Review of: “Treating Co-Occurring Disorders: A Handbook for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals”. American Journal on Addictions, 15(5), 407-408.

Grella, C. E. (2003). Contrasting the Views of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Treatment Providers on Treating the Dually Diagnosed#. Substance Use & Misuse, 38(10), 1433-1446. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.