MOOD DISORDERS CEUs
How much of the population is affected by mood disorders?
Each year, almost 44 million Americans experience a mental disorder. In fact, mental illnesses are among the most common conditions affecting health today.
What causes mood disorders / mental illness?
Researchers believe most serious mental illnesses are caused by complex imbalances in the brain's chemical activity. They also believe environmental factors can play a part in triggering, or cushioning against, the onset of mental illness.
Are mood disorders treatable?
Like other diseases, mental illnesses can be treated. The good news is that most people who have mental illnesses, even serious ones, can lead productive lives with proper treatment. Mood disorders are one form of serious mental illness.
What are some common mood disorders?
Two of the most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness.
Bipolar Disorder
Description: Extreme mood swings punctuated by periods of generally even-keeled behavior characterize this disorder. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. This disorder typically begins in the mid-twenties and continues throughout life. Without treatment, people who have bipolar disorder often go through devastating life events such as marital breakups, job loss, substance abuse, and suicide.
Symptoms: Mania-expansive or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep; increased energy; racing thoughts; feelings of invulnerability; poor judgment; heightened sex drive; and denial that anything is wrong. Depression-feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or melancholy; fatigue; loss of appetite for food or sex; sleep disturbances, thoughts of death or suicide; and suicide attempts. Mania and depression may vary in both duration and degree of intensity.
Formal Diagnosis: Although scientific evidence indicates bipolar disorder is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, no lab test exists to diagnose the disorder. In fact, this mental illness often goes unrecognized by the person who has it, relatives, friends, or even physicians. The first step of diagnosis is to receive a complete medical evaluation to rule out any other mental or physical disorders. Anyone who has this mental illness should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
Treatment: Eighty to ninety percent of people who have bipolar disorder can be treated effectively with medication and psychotherapy. Self-help groups can offer emotional support and assistance in recognizing signs of relapse to avert a full-blown episode of bipolar disorder. The most commonly prescribed medications to treat bipolar disorder are three mood stabilizers: lithium carbonate, carbamazepine, and valproate.
Depression
Description: When a person's feelings of sadness persist beyond a few weeks, he or she may have depression. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, three to four million men are affected by depression; it affects twice as many women. Researchers do not know the exact mechanisms that trigger depression. Two neurotransmitters-natural substances that allow brain cells to communicate with one another-are implicated in depression: serotonin and norepinephrine.
Symptoms: Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns; feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and inappropriate guilt; loss of interest or pleasure in formerly important activities; fatigue; inability to concentrate; overwhelming sadness; disturbed thinking; physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches; and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Formal Diagnosis: Four or more of the previous symptoms have been present continually, or most of the time, for more than 2 weeks. The term clinical depression merely means the episode of depression is serious enough to require treatment. Major depression is marked by far more severe symptoms, such as literally being unable to drag oneself out of bed. Another form of depression, known as seasonal affective disorder, is associated with seasonal changes in the amount of available daylight.
Treatment: Some types of cognitive/behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy may be as effective as medications for some people who have depression. Special bright light helps many people who have seasonal affective disorder.
Three major types of medication are used to treat depression: tricyclics; the newer selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). Electroconvulsive therapy uses small amounts of electricity applied to the scalp to affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Usually referred to as ECT, this highly controversial and potentially life-saving technique is considered only when other therapies have failed, when a person is seriously medically ill and/or unable to take medication, or when a person is very likely to commit suicide. Substantial improvements in the equipment, dosing guidelines and anesthesia have significantly reduced the possibility of side effects.
For more information and referrals to specialists and self-help groups in your State, contact:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (formerly the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association)
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60601-3526
Telephone: 800-826-3632
Fax: 312-642-7243
www.dbsalliance.org
November 01, 2010
Continuing Education for Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, & Licensed Professional Counselors
Continuing Education for Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and other Human Service Providers nationwide
Aspira Continuing Education Offers
Refer a Colleague and get Free CEUs!
When you refer a colleague to Aspira, simply ask them to enter a code of "REFERRAL" when they check out. In order for you to get the credit, though, they will need to know the email address you signed up with and enter it when prompted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Save Money when you buy an Annual Subscription
When you purchase an annual subscription, you can bring the cost of your continuing education to less than $4.00 an hour. To take advantage of this money-saving offer, visit our purchase page.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holiday Discount for November and December
Enter the code “HolidaySpecial” on our purchase page in the text box at the top of the page next to "Enter offer code", click on the submit button immediately to the right of this text box, and receive 10% off all purchases for the months of November and December! (Submit the code prior to entering any other information on the rest of the purchase page. This code is valid for all purchases made during the two months of November and December of 2010. Offer expires on December 31, 2010).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Practice Tools
The Counselor Connection is a comprehensive and simple service that connects clients with a therapist who can best meet their specific needs, circumstances and values.
Aspira Continuing Education Offers
Refer a Colleague and get Free CEUs!
When you refer a colleague to Aspira, simply ask them to enter a code of "REFERRAL" when they check out. In order for you to get the credit, though, they will need to know the email address you signed up with and enter it when prompted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Save Money when you buy an Annual Subscription
When you purchase an annual subscription, you can bring the cost of your continuing education to less than $4.00 an hour. To take advantage of this money-saving offer, visit our purchase page.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holiday Discount for November and December
Enter the code “HolidaySpecial” on our purchase page in the text box at the top of the page next to "Enter offer code", click on the submit button immediately to the right of this text box, and receive 10% off all purchases for the months of November and December! (Submit the code prior to entering any other information on the rest of the purchase page. This code is valid for all purchases made during the two months of November and December of 2010. Offer expires on December 31, 2010).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Practice Tools
The Counselor Connection is a comprehensive and simple service that connects clients with a therapist who can best meet their specific needs, circumstances and values.
Mental Health Screenings and Trauma-Related Counseling in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities
Mental Health Screenings and Trauma-Related Counseling in Substance Abuse Treatment FacilitiesIn Brief •In 2009, more than half (62 percent) of all substance abuse treatment facilities provided brief mental health screenings that could be used to identify clients in need of trauma services; less than half (42 percent) provided full diagnostic mental health assessments
•Facilities that primarily focused on a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment services were more likely than facilities with other primary focuses to report using trauma counseling "always or often" (30 vs. 16 to 26 percent)
•Facilities that were operated by tribal governments (55 percent) were more likely than facilities that were operated by the Federal Government (37 percent), private for-profit organizations (36 percent), private non-profit organizations (35 percent), or State or local, county, or community governments (32 percent each) to offer domestic violence services
Research shows that the experience of traumatic events and the possible sequelae of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often co-occur with a substance abuse disorder1 and are present among many substance abuse treatment clients.2 Common types of trauma include being exposed to a natural disaster or violence in combat or noncombat situations and experiencing physical assault or domestic violence. Because of the relationship between substance use and trauma-related mental health problems, it is recommended that substance abuse treatment facilities offer mental health screenings and assessments to determine whether or not a client is suffering from a trauma-related illness3 and/or has been involved in domestic violence.4
This report explores the extent to which mental health screenings, mental health assessments, trauma-related counseling, and domestic violence services are provided in substance abuse treatment facilities. The provision of these services in treatment facilities is captured by the 2009 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Mental Health Screenings and Assessments
Mental health screenings and assessments can be used in treatment facilities to identify clients who have been exposed to one or more traumatic events and who have problematic symptoms associated with such exposure. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) guidelines for best practice with substance abuse treatment clients differentiate between mental health screenings and mental health assessments. Screenings assist in identifying substance abuse clients that show signs of mental health problems by asking questions that elicit a yes or no response; assessments define the nature of the mental health problem and gather more detailed information that may be used to develop treatment plans for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems.5
More than half (62 percent) of the 13,513 treatment facilities that responded to N-SSATS provided brief mental health screenings for clients, but less than half (42 percent) provided full diagnostic mental health assessments. Facilities with a primary focus on mental health services, a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, or general health care were more likely than facilities that primarily focused only on substance abuse treatment services to provide mental health screenings or mental health assessments (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Facilities Providing Mental Health Screenings or Assessments, by Primary Focus of Treatment Facility: 2009
Source: 2009 SAMHSA National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Figure 1 Table. Facilities Providing Mental Health Screenings or Assessments, by Primary Focus of Treatment Facility: 2009 Primary Focus Mental Health Screenings Mental Health Assessments
Substance Abuse Treatment Services 45% 20%
Mental Health Services 94% 89%
Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services 90% 76%
General Health Care 85% 75%
Other/Unknown 53% 21%
Source: 2009 SAMHSA National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Treatment facilities that were operated by the Federal Government (68 percent) were more likely than facilities operated by State governments (52 percent); local, county, or community governments (50 percent); private non-profit organizations (43 percent); tribal governments (40 percent); or private for-profit organizations (36 percent) to provide mental health assessments (Figure 2). Additionally, facilities that were operated by the Federal Government (79 percent) were more likely than those operated by other types of governments or organizations to provide mental health screenings.
It is recommended that substance abuse treatment providers screen all clients in substance abuse treatment for exposure to domestic violence in order to identify batterers and survivors. After substance abuse treatment providers identify those clients who have been involved in domestic violence, the provider may then determine what services the clients may need.4 Domestic violence services may include, for example, specialized counseling, medical services, or legal services.
N-SSATS provides information regarding whether or not treatment facilities offer domestic violence services. In 2009, less than half (35 percent) of treatment facilities offered domestic violence services. Facilities that primarily focused on a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment services (46 percent) or general health care (44 percent) were more likely than those that focused on mental health services (37 percent) or substance abuse treatment services (30 percent) to offer domestic violence services.
Discussion
Mental health problems, specifically those related to trauma and/or domestic violence, often co-occur with substance abuse. Mental health screenings Mental health problems, specifically those related to trauma and/or domestic violence, often co-occur with substance abuse. Mental health screenings and assessments may be used by substance abuse treatment facilities to identify clients who are suffering from mental health problems related to trauma. By first identifying these clients, treatment providers may then develop a comprehensive treatment plan and assist clients with gaining access to trauma-related services. Treatment plans for clients with these co-occurring problems should address their substance abuse and incorporate evidenced-based interventions that aim to reduce the biological, psychological, and behavioral symptoms associated with trauma.6
The data in this report provide a snapshot of the extent to which the treatment system is identifying and providing certain services to clients suffering from co-occurring substance abuse and trauma-related mental health problems. This information may be used to increase public health awareness about substance abuse and trauma-related mental health problems, and inform behavioral health care reform initiatives that increase the treatment system’s capacity to provide needed trauma-related services to substance abuse clients.
End Notes
1 Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C. B. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52, 1048-1060.
2 Nanjavits, L. M. (2002). Clinicians’ views on treating posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 22, 79-85.
3 Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (1995). Anxiety disorders. In Assessment and treatment of patients with coexisting mental illness and alcohol and other drug abuse (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 9, DHHS Publication No. SMA 95-3061). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. (Original work published 1994) Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A30236
4 Fazzone, P. A., Holton, J. K., & Reed, B. G. (Consensus Panel Co-Chairs); Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (1997). Substance abuse treatment and domestic violence (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 25, DHHS Publication No. SMA 97-3163). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A46712
5Sacks, S., & Ries, R. K. (Consensus Panel Co-Chairs); Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005). Substance abuse treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 42, DHHS Publication No. SMA 05-3922). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A74073
6 Shalev, A., Bonne, O., & Eth, S. (1996). Treatment of post traumatic stress disorder: A review. Psychosomatic Medicine, 58, 165-182.
•Facilities that primarily focused on a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment services were more likely than facilities with other primary focuses to report using trauma counseling "always or often" (30 vs. 16 to 26 percent)
•Facilities that were operated by tribal governments (55 percent) were more likely than facilities that were operated by the Federal Government (37 percent), private for-profit organizations (36 percent), private non-profit organizations (35 percent), or State or local, county, or community governments (32 percent each) to offer domestic violence services
Research shows that the experience of traumatic events and the possible sequelae of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often co-occur with a substance abuse disorder1 and are present among many substance abuse treatment clients.2 Common types of trauma include being exposed to a natural disaster or violence in combat or noncombat situations and experiencing physical assault or domestic violence. Because of the relationship between substance use and trauma-related mental health problems, it is recommended that substance abuse treatment facilities offer mental health screenings and assessments to determine whether or not a client is suffering from a trauma-related illness3 and/or has been involved in domestic violence.4
This report explores the extent to which mental health screenings, mental health assessments, trauma-related counseling, and domestic violence services are provided in substance abuse treatment facilities. The provision of these services in treatment facilities is captured by the 2009 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Mental Health Screenings and Assessments
Mental health screenings and assessments can be used in treatment facilities to identify clients who have been exposed to one or more traumatic events and who have problematic symptoms associated with such exposure. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) guidelines for best practice with substance abuse treatment clients differentiate between mental health screenings and mental health assessments. Screenings assist in identifying substance abuse clients that show signs of mental health problems by asking questions that elicit a yes or no response; assessments define the nature of the mental health problem and gather more detailed information that may be used to develop treatment plans for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems.5
More than half (62 percent) of the 13,513 treatment facilities that responded to N-SSATS provided brief mental health screenings for clients, but less than half (42 percent) provided full diagnostic mental health assessments. Facilities with a primary focus on mental health services, a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, or general health care were more likely than facilities that primarily focused only on substance abuse treatment services to provide mental health screenings or mental health assessments (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Facilities Providing Mental Health Screenings or Assessments, by Primary Focus of Treatment Facility: 2009
Source: 2009 SAMHSA National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Figure 1 Table. Facilities Providing Mental Health Screenings or Assessments, by Primary Focus of Treatment Facility: 2009 Primary Focus Mental Health Screenings Mental Health Assessments
Substance Abuse Treatment Services 45% 20%
Mental Health Services 94% 89%
Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services 90% 76%
General Health Care 85% 75%
Other/Unknown 53% 21%
Source: 2009 SAMHSA National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Treatment facilities that were operated by the Federal Government (68 percent) were more likely than facilities operated by State governments (52 percent); local, county, or community governments (50 percent); private non-profit organizations (43 percent); tribal governments (40 percent); or private for-profit organizations (36 percent) to provide mental health assessments (Figure 2). Additionally, facilities that were operated by the Federal Government (79 percent) were more likely than those operated by other types of governments or organizations to provide mental health screenings.
It is recommended that substance abuse treatment providers screen all clients in substance abuse treatment for exposure to domestic violence in order to identify batterers and survivors. After substance abuse treatment providers identify those clients who have been involved in domestic violence, the provider may then determine what services the clients may need.4 Domestic violence services may include, for example, specialized counseling, medical services, or legal services.
N-SSATS provides information regarding whether or not treatment facilities offer domestic violence services. In 2009, less than half (35 percent) of treatment facilities offered domestic violence services. Facilities that primarily focused on a mix of mental health and substance abuse treatment services (46 percent) or general health care (44 percent) were more likely than those that focused on mental health services (37 percent) or substance abuse treatment services (30 percent) to offer domestic violence services.
Discussion
Mental health problems, specifically those related to trauma and/or domestic violence, often co-occur with substance abuse. Mental health screenings Mental health problems, specifically those related to trauma and/or domestic violence, often co-occur with substance abuse. Mental health screenings and assessments may be used by substance abuse treatment facilities to identify clients who are suffering from mental health problems related to trauma. By first identifying these clients, treatment providers may then develop a comprehensive treatment plan and assist clients with gaining access to trauma-related services. Treatment plans for clients with these co-occurring problems should address their substance abuse and incorporate evidenced-based interventions that aim to reduce the biological, psychological, and behavioral symptoms associated with trauma.6
The data in this report provide a snapshot of the extent to which the treatment system is identifying and providing certain services to clients suffering from co-occurring substance abuse and trauma-related mental health problems. This information may be used to increase public health awareness about substance abuse and trauma-related mental health problems, and inform behavioral health care reform initiatives that increase the treatment system’s capacity to provide needed trauma-related services to substance abuse clients.
End Notes
1 Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., & Nelson, C. B. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52, 1048-1060.
2 Nanjavits, L. M. (2002). Clinicians’ views on treating posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 22, 79-85.
3 Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (1995). Anxiety disorders. In Assessment and treatment of patients with coexisting mental illness and alcohol and other drug abuse (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 9, DHHS Publication No. SMA 95-3061). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. (Original work published 1994) Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A30236
4 Fazzone, P. A., Holton, J. K., & Reed, B. G. (Consensus Panel Co-Chairs); Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (1997). Substance abuse treatment and domestic violence (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 25, DHHS Publication No. SMA 97-3163). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A46712
5Sacks, S., & Ries, R. K. (Consensus Panel Co-Chairs); Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005). Substance abuse treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 42, DHHS Publication No. SMA 05-3922). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssamhsatip&part=A74073
6 Shalev, A., Bonne, O., & Eth, S. (1996). Treatment of post traumatic stress disorder: A review. Psychosomatic Medicine, 58, 165-182.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
