Mental Health Disorders and Addiction

Mental Health Disorders

• Anxiety disorders are characterized by chronic, irrational anxiety disrupting daily life.
• The limbic system, particularly the amygdala, plays a role in anxiety disorders. Neurotransmitter imbalances also contribute.
• Common anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, OCD, Panic Disorder, and phobias.
• Treatment combines therapy (CBT), medication (SSRIs, benzodiazepines), and lifestyle changes.

Substance Use and Addiction

• Addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, leading to dopamine release and dependence.
• Long-term substance use alters brain structure, leading to reduced dopamine receptor efficiency and tolerance/withdrawal.

Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs

• Mimic serotonin, disrupting neurotransmission.
• Short-term effects include hallucinations, increased heart rate, and nausea.
• Long-term risks include psychosis, flashbacks, and mental health deterioration.
• Examples include LSD, psilocybin, PCP, mescaline, and synthetics.

Opioids

• Include prescription painkillers and illicit drugs.
• Bind to opioid receptors, increasing dopamine and blocking pain.
• Opioid overdose deaths have a history of different waves of use of varying drugs. Predominantly involved fentanyl, accounting for ~88% of overdose deaths in 2021.
• Treatment includes naloxone (overdose reversal), methadone, and buprenorphine.

Nicotine and E-Cigarettes

• Mimic acetylcholine for reward system activation, leading to dopamine release.
• Impacts teen brain development, affecting memory, attention, and emotion regulation.
• E-cigarettes contain concentrated nicotine and potentially harmful additives (e.g., vitamin E acetate).

Marijuana (THC)

• Impairs memory, learning, and motor function, with early use potentially correlating with lower IQ and schizophrenia risk.
• Various routes of consumption include smoking, vaping, and edibles.
• Newer products have increased THC potency.

Alcohol

• Enhances GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) and inhibits glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter), causing sedation and cognitive impairment.
• Impacts the adolescent prefrontal cortex and hippocampus; teens face increased risk of injury.
• While teen binge drinking rates are declining, dependency and development issues remain.

Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)

• Increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, causing heightened energy and alertness.
• Risks include addiction, cardiovascular problems, and psychological effects (paranoia, aggression).

Preventive Measures and Recovery

• Prevention Strategies:
  • Education on risks and healthy choices.
  • Balanced lifestyles (diet, exercise, social interaction).
  • Strong community support.
• Seeking Help:
  • Early therapy, mental health resources (like SAMHSA).
  • Peer and family support.
• Treatment Options:
  • Therapy (CBT, family-focused, trauma-informed).
  • Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs for mental health, methadone/buprenorphine for opioid addiction, naloxone for overdose reversal).
  • Combining medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Educational Emphasis

• The document emphasizes a holistic understanding of the brain's role, promoting evidence-based prevention, treatment, and support.

Explore the complexities of mental health disorders, particularly anxiety disorders, and the effects of substance use and addiction. Learn about the roles of neurotransmitters, brain structure changes, and treatment options available for these conditions. This quiz will enhance your understanding of both common and severe psychological issues.