This new definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA (together with a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields) to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders, along with major guiding principles that support the recovery definition.

“Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that a practical, comprehensive working definition of recovery would enable policy makers, providers, and others to better design, deliver, and measure integrated and holistic services to those in need,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. ”By working with all elements of the behavioral health community and others to develop this definition, I believe SAMHSA has achieved a significant milestone in promoting greater public awareness and appreciation for the importance of recovery, and widespread support for the services that can make it a reality for millions of Americans.”

For more information, visit the SAMHSA website at www.samhsa.gov or click here to view the news release online.

There are many other things to consider when talking about mental illness:

• Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or background
• Mental illness is not caused by poor decisions or bad habits
• Mental illness affects a person’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, much like heart disease or diabetes
• The stigma associated with mental illness is one of the biggest barriers to recovery; if we want to be a truly healthy society, we need to break the stigma and treat mental illness like any other medical condition

People with mental illness can recover or manage their conditions and go on to lead happy, healthy and productive lives. Oftentimes, they can benefit from medication, rehabilitation, psychotherapy, group therapy, self-help, or a combination of these treatment options.

Therefore, if you have a friend or loved one with mental illness, or if you have a mental illness yourself, keep in mind that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.

Information provided by What a Difference a Friend Makes, an initiative launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Because the symptoms a person with dual diagnosis has are identified in two parts, it’s sometimes common for one diagnosis to be missed; the symptoms associated with any major psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder or personality disorder are often identified first, while the issues associated with abuse of alcohol and other drugs are identified last.

Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

• Significant impairment or distress resulting from substance abuse
• Failure to fulfill roles at work, home or school
• Persistent substance abuse in physically hazardous situations
• Continued substance abuse despite relationship or financial problems

Drug and/or alcohol abuse may or may not involve physiological dependence or tolerance.  The symptoms that do indicate dependency or addiction are as follows:

• Compulsion and preoccupation with obtaining a drug or drugs
• Loss of control over use
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Tendency for relapse after period of abstinence
• Drug induced behavior (aggression, irritability, changes in thinking or mood)
• Increased tolerance and withdrawal

Oftentimes, a person with dual diagnosis experiences more severe and chronic medical, social and emotional problems than if they were to have just one diagnosis. They’re more susceptible not only to alcohol and/or drug relapse but also a relapse of their mental health problems.

The evidence that people with mental health illness are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs, or that those who abuse alcohol and other drugs are more likely to develop some form of mental health illness, indicates that the causes of psychiatric illness and drug and alcohol abuse are complex. This conclusion is best outlined in the statements below:

• Drug use can cause psychiatric symptoms and mimic psychiatric syndromes
• Drug use can initiate or worsen a psychiatric disorder
• Drug use can mask psychiatric symptoms and syndromes
• Drug withdrawal can cause psychiatric symptoms and mimic psychiatric disorders
• Psychiatric behaviors can mimic drug use problems
• Drug and alcohol abuse can make side effects from medication worse and more likely to occur

Treatment Options at Rose Hill

The term dual diagnosis is also used to refer to people with both a mental health illness and an intellectual disability. At Rose Hill, treatment options for those with a primary diagnosis of mental illness include a range of medication and both cognitive and behavioral programs, such as the Residential Rehabilitation Program, which is designed to help patients struggling with mental illness regain psychiatric stability. The program is built around a multi-stage format that allows staff and patient to work together to create and then follow a customized treatment plan. Based on this plan, patients may participate in one or more of the therapy options offered at Rose Hill, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

DBT is a therapeutic methodology that is used primarily to treat patients with borderline personality disorder, although it can be applied to other types of psychiatric conditions. DBT combines behavioral techniques, cognitive therapy and acceptance to provide skills which help a patient regulate their emotions, tolerate stress and have meaningful interpersonal relationships.

Other therapy options include:  Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Group Therapy, and Individual Mental Health Counseling.

Treatment for people with dual diagnosis may be more effective if the two diagnoses are treated at the same time as the two are often related.  It has been recommended that during treatment administration, both conditions be regarded as primary without one being seen as the cause of the other.

In our residential setting we can focus the time and attention on finding the most effective treatment options for each individual so they can learn to manage their symptoms, achieve their highest level of independence and go on to lead rewarding lives.

Information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW, Inc.

When speaking about mental illness, oftentimes people wonder if it has been passed down in their family.  Though some mental illnesses may be wholly or partially inherited, a person may inherit a gene but not experience the symptoms, or they may not inherit that particular gene even though a parent or grandparent did carry it. Some mental illnesses are caused by biological changes that aren’t genetic, while others are often the result of drugs, difficult life circumstances and stress.  Environmental factors such as excessive stress and substance abuse can play a part by altering the brain’s chemistry, and an individual’s personality can also influence the way they react to life events.

Overall, mental illness seems to be caused by a combination of factors that are unique to each person.

Information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW, Inc. (http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/)

Is there a cure?

Although it’s generally considered there isn’t a cure for many mental illnesses, such as chronic schizophrenia, almost all disorders can be treated. At Rose Hill Center, patients get the insights, medications and coping skills they need to manage their illness.  In addition, by combining medication review and management with intensive therapeutic residential rehabilitation and a continuum of care options, Rose Hill gives patients the tools they need to regain and maintain psychiatric stability.

Information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW, Inc. (http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/)

Benefits of Early Intervention

• Enables young people to start treatment as soon as possible
• Helps young people develop or build on the skills they need to manage their illness and continue functioning in other aspects of their lives
• Focuses on the care of the whole person, rather than just treating symptoms
• Saves money.  By preventing problems associated with mental illness—or at least catching them early before too much damage has occurred—young people don’t have to rely on health services for longer than absolutely necessary

Studies show that 70% of young people who experience mental health and substance use problems don’t seek help.

What Encourages Young People to Seek Help

• Having information about mental health issues and where to get help available to them
• Being surrounded by people who encourage them to get help
• Feel confident expressing their feelings while building a trusting relationship with people who can help them find a mental illness treatment center that’s  right for them

A correct mental illness diagnosis helps determine what the treatment should be, and it also helps to predict possible outcomes.  However, because correctly diagnosing mental illness in young people can be difficult, it’s important to seek support and advice from a mental health professional.

Young people experiencing mental health or substance use problems can access professional help from a General Practitioner (GP), youth workers or school counselors. Those experiencing serious forms of mental illness, such as psychosis, major depression and suicidal thinking are often referred to mental health specialist.

If you or a loved one are suffering from a mental disorder, seek out the aid of a mental illness treatment center such as Rose Hill.  The sooner the illness is treated, the easier the recovery and the sooner someone can return to a normal lifestyle.

Information provided by Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland April 2011 Newsletter

These professionals use assessment tools such as interviews to talk with the patient and understand the challenges he is facing.  During the interview, behavior and attitudes of the patient are closely observed.  Friends and family members of the patient may also be asked to provide additional perspectives on the issue. 

Based on these observations and conversations, the mental health professional evaluates the symptoms and the degree of the disorder.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is referenced for classification, and the illness is thus diagnosed. 

Upon diagnosis, patients are provided with a treatment.  Many doctors refer their patients to Rose Hill Center for treatment because the well-trained staff and unique campus approach provide a safe and stable environment for individual recovery, along with a return to a productive lifestyle.