If you suffer from a mental health disorder and have a medical condition as well, your health may be difficult to manage. Co-occurring disorders are health issues that individuals have at the same time. Those struggling with poor mental health, along with other medical conditions, require appropriate treatment, support, and medications to manage their health conditions.
Although you may be prescribed specific medications for mental illness, you may also need a reprieve from symptoms associated with other medical conditions. When suffering from mental health issues and other health conditions, you must be prescribed proper medication that does not interfere with other medications.
In fact, there may be medication available that can help control symptoms of your mental health disorder as well as other medical conditions. One of the first types of treatment options for mental health disorders includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT and medical conditions go hand-in-hand, as CBT can help manage certain medical conditions.
Managing Mental Health with Other Medical Conditions
Managing mental health and other medical conditions can be difficult, especially when the condition is debilitating. People with comorbid conditions can experience more severe symptoms compared to the general population.
To help manage mental health and other medical conditions, individuals need a strong support system, which may include a primary care doctor, a psychologist, and family members. Single-disease care management programs are not ideal and can be less efficient if treatment does not also target mental health symptoms.
Types of Mental Health and Other Medical Conditions
People suffer from a variety of mental health conditions that can range in severity. Medical comorbidities are extremely common among adults in the United States. In fact, 68% of those with mental disorders also have medical conditions, and 29% of those with medical conditions also have mental disorders.
Types of mental health conditions include:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Panic disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Borderline personality disorder
Other medical conditions may consist of the following:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular health issues, such as stroke or heart disease
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Arthritis
If you suffer from mental illness as well as another medical condition, you may be more likely to experience heightened symptoms. For instance, those suffering from a mental health issue along with cancer can experience severe depression.
Treatment for Mental Health and Other Medical Conditions
There are numerous treatment options to consider for those suffering from a mental health disorder and other medical conditions. Some of the treatment options include the following:
- Talk therapy or CBT
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric medications
- Care management programs
- Health apps
- Pain management
- Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics
- Anonymous (NA)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
The types of treatment above vary and may be beneficial for people suffering from co-occurring disorders. When dealing with multiple illnesses or disorders, medications must be monitored. Certain medications can interact with one another, creating more side effects that can potentially be dangerous. Before combining medications, speak to a professional to determine their effectiveness and whether any adverse reactions may occur.
Learn About Treatment Options
At Cognitive Behavior Associates, we provide a wide range of treatment options for those suffering from mental health issues. Our center for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is in place for those in need of various forms of talk therapy, including group, family, or individual therapy.
Contact Cognitive Behavior Associates today to learn more about our treatment options. Our helpful team members can find the right treatments for you.