What are mental health/addiction disorders?
Numerous mental health disorders and addictions exist and can negatively impact your health, relationships, job, and other everyday activities. Examples of mental health conditions include:
- General anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Drug, alcohol, or tobacco additions
Symptoms of addiction include engaging in activities you can’t control that aren’t healthy, such as binge eating, smoking, drug abuse, or excessive drinking.
Signs of a mental health condition aren’t always obvious, but if you struggle with persistent sadness, anxiousness, or constant fear and paranoia, talk with your doctor about possible treatment options.
What are the risk factors for mental health disorders and addiction?
The causes of mental health disorders and addiction aren’t always entirely clear. Numerous factors can contribute to developing a mental health condition, such as:
- Genetics
- Family history of mental health disorders
- Chronic stress
- Being isolated from friends or family
- A history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Hormone fluctuations
- A traumatic brain injury
- Having a serious medical condition, such as cancer
- A mother’s exposure to chemicals or viruses during pregnancy
Mental health disorders are common, as more than 50% of Americans may experience one at some point during their lives.
How are mental disorders and addiction treated?
If you experience symptoms of an addiction or mental health disorder, the highly trained medical team at Malibu Medical Group can help.
They review your medical history, ask you questions about your symptoms, and complete a physical exam or order lab tests to make a diagnosis. Treatment options might include:
- Taking medications
- Making lifestyle changes
- Attending support groups
- Trying self-help classes
- One-on-one or group counseling
- Continuing education
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, involves using magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells to ease symptoms of depression without medication. Your doctor lets you know if this innovative therapy is right for you.
In severe cases, she might recommend an intensive, hospital-based treatment program for addiction or a mental health condition.
Don’t let depression, anxiety, or an addiction ruin your quality of life or lead to serious health complications. Call Malibu Medical Group for an appointment today, or book one online.
