SERVICES
SUBSTANCE-INDUCED MENTAL DISORDERS
Chronic depression along with fleeting suicidal thoughts characterise substance-induced depressive disorder or SIDs spurred on by excessive alcohol use. Intoxication as a result of substance abuse, impairs thinking and lowers inhibitions. Substance withdrawal stirs up psychological and physical symptoms of depression, nausea, insomnia and muscle pain. Substance-induced psychosis including delusions and hallucinations are spurred on by alcohol or drug addiction which typically doesn’t occur without the use of drugs or alcohol abuse.
WHAT STIMULANTS ARE LINKED TO SUBSTANCE-INDUCED MENTAL DISORDERS?
Certain substances are capable of setting off or exacerbating mental disorders. These substances cause severe distress and interfere with one's quality of life. Alcohol abuse triggers depression, bipolar and anxiety disorders, often prompting substance-induced psychotic disorders.
Stimulants such as caffeine aggravate social phobia and other related anxiety disorders activating the fight or flight response intensifying the body’s jittering.
Drug addicts may combine cocaine with heroin. This deadly substance has mental side effects of paranoia, hallucinations and delusions from psychosis. A majority of heavy cocaine users experience hallucinations at some point during their lifetime. These drug users develop a temper, become increasingly aggressive and entertain self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
The use of methamphetamines has a severe impact on the central nervous system. Meth addicts experience recurring mental health disorders and may also receive a dual diagnosis that involves suffering from additional conditions such as bipolar disorder or depression.
LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide is a hallucinogens that may cause hallucinations and paranoia, which ignite risky behaviour and may leading to suicide. LSD was initially developed in 1940, for the intention of psychotherapy analytics; however, an abuse of the acid worsens symptoms of schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders.
Abuse of opioids contributes to mental health disorders, increasing the risk of developing depression. Typically, opioids relieve pain after an injury or surgery and also induce addictive highs. People suffering from anxiety disorders are likely to abuse opioids, stirring up symptoms of depression.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE-INDUCED MENTAL DISORDERS?
People struggling with substance-induced psychotic disorders become delusional and often hallucinate because of drug abuse. These drug or alcohol addicts who experience psychosis are devoid of emotion, due to dissociation and disordered thinking.
TREATING SUBSTANCE-INDUCED MENTAL DISORDERS
Detoxification by ceasing the intake of stimulants is the first stage of treating substance-induced mental disorders. Dr Singh will utilise pharmacotherapy, behavioural and psychotherapy to manage a majority of substance-induced mental disorders. She will also incorporate family and peer support groups into therapy sessions. Therapy aims to reduce the need for stimulants. Through therapy, Dr Singh encourages positive coping strategies for a wholesome quality lifestyle.