Mental health disorders that may have a medical component or underlying medical conditions:

Hi welcome to Talking with Donna, I am glad you are able to join me. So, far I have shared several forms of mental health disorders. What I have not shared with you is the medical correlation to many of them. Today I will be sharing with you information concerning some mental health disorders that can be influenced medical health issues.

Although I am writing a series on mental health I did not think about the medical portion. I am only sharing a small portion of information here. I hope it is helpful to some and maybe start a conversation with their healthcare or mental health provider , for others I hope it is useful information.

(*. Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know is challenged with mental health symptoms, please seek professional mental health services. This information is not for replacement of diagnosing or a substitute for treatment or therapy. This information is for educational purposes only. *)

While unpacking another box (I have been here for a year, I still have office boxes to unpack…that’s a different story for another time..LOL). I ran across a box with my note pads in them from one of my classes, with notes I took while in school. It made me chuckle as I read the little side notes. And looked at the pictures on the sides of the notes, like spirals, flowers names of people places and things…. Anyway The notes might be outdated but I did do a little researching and most of the information is still in date. I thought I would share them as I feel this information is just as important as the information I have been sharing thus far.

The medical part of mental health issues is sometimes overlooked by the mental health professional and visa versa. I am not saying that we do not ask about it during intake or it is not documented in the history or imbedded in the client’s file. I am saying it is not integrated into their care plan unless individuals are hospitalized or their medical condition supersedes their mental health issue or they are hospitalized for medication management, these are just a few examples.

There are several major mental health challenges that can be influenced by underlying medical conditions. It is always important that a thorough evaluation by a healthcare profession in determining the underlying causes and the best treatment approach for these conditions they can be complex and interconnected.

Many major mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders, can have medical components or be influenced by underlying medical conditions. While these conditions primarily involve psychological and emotional symptoms, they are often intertwined with biological factors, such as changes in brain chemistry, genetics, or hormonal imbalances. Medications and medical treatments play a crucial role in managing and addressing these mental health disorders, especially when combined with psychotherapy and other therapeutic approaches.

This is just a brief synopsis of a few of the the medical and mental health combinations I have mentioned:

Schizophrenia although viewed as primarily a psychiatric disorder medical conditions such as neurotransmitter imbalances are often associated with this disorder. Bipolar disorder is multifaceted and is not attributed to any known specific medical condition, an imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are associated. Major Depressive disorder also is not induced by any specific medical conditions as in the way some other health issues are. This is also a multifaceted and complex disease. There are factors and medical conditions that can increase the vulnerability to depression but do not directly trigger it in everyone. Generalized anxiety disorder while it is considered primarily a psychological disorder, it can be exacerbated and or influenced by various medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, substance abuse to name a few, please research for yourself if you need more specific information speak with your health provider.

For me the matter of if and when ever possible if you or someone you know are experiencing any of the mental health challenges mentioned above, please get help and if possible, include both health care professionals. If you are a health care or and a mental health professional and it is at all possible and your clients are challenged with the above, please work together for the optimal health of your client.

Join me next week for while we continue the discussion on the depressive disorder series.

Oh, I hope you had a chance to check out the web page for “Fit By Any Means in Hammond Indiana” or if you. Live in that area go check it out tell them Donna sent you.

I would like for you to join me here on my Blog “Talking with Donna” where I will continue to provide information on mental health. Also, you can listen to my podcast also named “Talking with Donna”, where I provide meditation for stress relief or just for relaxation and although they are old (as I haven’t had a chance to record new meditation as of yet. If you haven’t already, please check it out). I can be found on these platforms: Spotify, Apple podcast, Google podcast, Overcast, Stitcher, Amazon music, Pocket cast and iHeart Radio.

Again, thank you for joining me. Please Remember to, Like, Share and follow. You can also email me at talkingwithdonna@gmail.com.

Remember if you or someone you know are challenged with mental health issues, please seek assistance.

Donna