Choose One Mental Health Disorder And One Behavioral Health ✓ Solved
Choose one mental health disorder and one behavioral health disorder
Choose one mental health disorder and one behavioral health disorder, one or both being related to substance abuse. Write a 1,000-1,250-word paper in which you compare and contrast each disorder. Your paper must include the following: A summary of each disorder A visual such as a table or chart that compares and contrasts the symptoms and behaviors associated with each disorder A list of the provider roles that could work with this client in a collaborative team approach with descriptions of how they each may function within the team An explanation for how to implement preventative programs for substance use disorders such as selected in this paper within an integrated health setting. Include the previously listed roles within the explanation. Include a minimum of three scholarly references to support the information provided in the assignment.
Paper For Above Instructions
Mental health and behavioral health disorders significantly impact individuals and society, necessitating a detailed understanding of their characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches. This paper chooses to focus on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as the mental health disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) as the behavioral health disorder, exploring their similarities and differences, collaborative treatment approaches, and preventative strategies within integrated health settings.
Summary of Each Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common yet serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a range of emotional and physical problems that affect daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Symptoms of MDD include low energy, insomnia or hypersomnia, significant weight change, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. It may occur once or recur in episodes and can severely inhibit an individual's ability to function in social or occupational settings.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), on the other hand, is classified as a problematic pattern of alcohol use characterized by significant impairment or distress. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), AUD is marked by symptoms such as cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences to physical and mental health (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). AUD can lead to a variety of social, occupational, and legal issues, ultimately resulting in a cycle of dependence that can be difficult to escape.
Comparison of Symptoms and Behaviors
To highlight the contrast and similarities between MDD and AUD, the following table summarizes key symptoms and behaviors associated with each disorder:
| Aspect | Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) | Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Symptoms | Persistent sadness, hopelessness | Cravings, feelings of guilt |
| Physical Symptoms | Fatigue, sleep disturbances | Tolerance, withdrawal symptoms |
| Behavioral Symptoms | Loss of interest in activities, isolation | Social withdrawal, risky behaviors |
| Impact on Functioning | Impaired social interaction, occupational dysfunction | Legal issues, employment problems |
Provider Roles in a Collaborative Team Approach
Effective treatment for MDD and AUD often involves a collaborative approach where various healthcare providers work together. The following roles are typically part of this collaborative team:
- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist manages medication, provides diagnosis, and offers therapy for MDD and AUD. They can assess the severity and appropriateness of treatments, including antidepressants for depression and medications for alcohol dependence.
- Psychologist: Psychologists perform psychological assessments and provide therapy, often employing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which are effective for both disorders. They help clients develop coping strategies to manage symptoms and address behavioral patterns.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: These counselors specialize in treating individuals with drug or alcohol dependencies. They offer therapeutic support and resources to facilitate recovery from AUD, emphasizing relapse prevention techniques.
- Social Worker: Social workers assist patients in accessing community resources, providing counseling, and helping with social reintegration. They often focus on the psychosocial factors that may exacerbate MDD and AUD.
- Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners can prescribe medication and provide physical health check-ups. They monitor the overall health of patients and help coordinate care within the team.
Implementing Preventative Programs
Preventative programs for substance use disorders, particularly AUD, are essential in integrated health settings. These programs can significantly reduce the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse by fostering early intervention and education. To implement effective prevention programs, the aforementioned roles play critical functions:
- Psychiatrist: Develops protocols for medication-assisted treatment while educating the team about signs of problematic drinking.
- Psychologist: Facilitates workshops on coping mechanisms for stress and depression, reducing the risk of abuse.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Provides educational sessions about the risks of alcohol use and promotes healthy lifestyles.
- Social Worker: Engages families in prevention efforts and connects individuals with community resources.
- Nurse Practitioner: Conducts screenings for at-risk populations and monitors health parameters for preventative measures.
Conclusion
In summary, Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder share overlapping symptoms and impacts on individuals’ lives, but their treatment approaches differ. A collaborative healthcare team can address both disorders effectively through shared roles and coordinated care efforts. Preventative programs focusing on awareness, early intervention, and constant support can significantly improve patient outcomes in integrated health settings. By employing comprehensive strategies and fostering collaborative relationships among providers, mental health and substance abuse can be better managed, leading to healthier communities.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
- Cukor, J., & Nisenbaum, R. (2016). The impact of depression on treatment adherence. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(4), 65.
- Johnson, J. E. (2015). Alcohol use disorders and depressive disorders: A review of recent research. Addiction, 110(4), 610-619.
- Mason, B. J., & Kivlahan, D. R. (2017). An overview of alcohol use disorders: Diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(4), 544-555.
- McHugh, R. K., & Weiss, R. D. (2015). Alcohol use disorder and depression: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 172(1), 274-282.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2018). Alcohol facts and statistics. Retrieved from NIAAA
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral health conditions. Retrieved from SAMHSA
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Prevention of substance use. Retrieved from SAMHSA Prevention
- Weiss, R. D., & Berman, C. (2019). The role of psychiatrists in the collaborative care of patients with alcohol use disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 42(3), 355-371.
- World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: global health estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization.