What Is a Mental Health Disorder?
A mental health disorder is a health condition that creates changes in thinking, emotion, or behavior, or a combination of those, according to the American Psychiatric Association. They can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic makeup, brain chemistry, environmental factors, and more. This type of illness can cause behaviors that are not always voluntary – and when substance abuse enters the picture, symptoms and behaviors can worsen. Some of the most common mental health disorders include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Eating disorders
- Body image disorders
- Trauma
Evaluating and Identifying Mental Health Disorders and Addiction
In 2016, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that an estimated 44.7 million (18.3 percent) adults aged 18 or older in the United States had a mental health disorder within the past year. In 2016, of the 19 million adults with substance abuse disorder, 8.2 million (43.3 percent) also had a mental health disorder. These numbers clearly indicate the importance of identifying and adequately treating mental health disorders in patients who are also addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- In fact, 75 to 80 percent of patients at Caron Treatment Centers have a co-occurring mental or behavioral health issue, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
- If the psychological evaluation determines that an individual has mental health difficulties or significant medication issues, a psychiatric evaluation may will be recommended, when clinically appropriate.
Unraveling the many dimensions of addiction and co-occurring disorders requires specialists with advanced expertise. Within the first few days after arrival at Caron, a psychologist will conduct an evaluation to determine if the patient meets the criteria for a mental health diagnosis . The evaluation may include:
- A review of the individual’s mental health and treatment history.
- Psychopathology testing to identify signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder.
- Neuropsychological screening and testing to identify issues with cognitive functioning such as memory problems, learning difficulties, impulsivity, or attention problems. This helps Caron determine a patient’s ability to engage in treatment.
- A personality assessment, if necessary, to assist with clarification of personality and mood function. This can enhance the treatment team’s understanding of an individual’s psychological issues. This assessment can also contribute to a patient’s self-understanding and enhance their own participation in treatment.
If the psychological evaluation determines that an individual has mental health difficulties or significant medication issues, a psychiatric evaluation will be recommended.
The Expert Mental Health Services Team at Caron
A team of board-certified psychiatrists and licensed, doctoral-level psychologists provide services at Caron. They have advanced training in the most effective modes of assessing and treating co-occurring mental health issues and addiction and in psychological testing and assessment batteries. Government, educational, medical, and industry organizations often call upon their considerable experience and expertise in treating addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. Meet our Staff.
Therapy Modalities
Because our team tailors each person’s treatment to care for the person as a whole, we employ a range of therapies modalities and approaches. Learn more about the treatment offered at Caron