Addiction can take a toll on both a person’s physical and mental well-being. It can be devastating for many and affect their livelihood, family and ability to function normally on a daily basis. For those who want help with their addiction, there is effective treatment and recovery is possible. Sometimes simply knowing what to expect can help a person suffering from addiction take the first step toward recovery.

Dedication
At University Hospital & Medical Center, we work hard to help a person on his or her journey of recovery. Our mission is to help patients gain independence and control over their recovery from substance dependence. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives the services and support necessary to continue this recovery in his or her own community.

Trust and Confidentiality
Our substance abuse program offers specialized outpatient programs for persons with substance difficulties. We treat patients who are medically stable and who can safely detox while remaining in the environment in which they’ll function when they are drug free. All of our programs are staffed by highly experienced professionals, and patients can recover in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust.

A Continuum of Care
We offer a range of care services including: individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, education, and information about community services and support groups.

To learn more about University Hospital & Medical Center behavior health services, visit us online or call us at 954-724-6502.

Sources:
University Hospital & Medical Center
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Inpatient Versus Outpatient Detox

Depression is a serious illness that affects millions of people. It’s different than simply being down or feeling blue. It can be triggered in a variety of ways and, whether symptoms are mild or severe in nature, depression can significantly disrupt everyday life. Luckily, there are many treatment options, and it’s important that depressed individuals consult with a doctor to find those that work best. Here are some common types of treatment for depression.

Psychotherapy. Different types of talking therapy can effectively uncover the sources of a person’s depression while pinpointing certain influences that trigger an episode. Individuals who are more aware of these influences and the specifics of their condition can work to change the way they think about and respond to their depression. Psychotherapy is often prescribed in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

Antidepressant medications. There are different categories of antidepressant medications that affect brain chemistry in varying ways. There are also many brands of medication within each category. It’s common for a person to take antidepressant medications for several weeks before the benefits are determined. These medications can cause temporary side effects, including headache, upset stomach, fatigue or trouble sleeping. It’s also likely that a person will need to try several antidepressant medications before finding one, or a combination, that works effectively.

Light therapy. Sitting near a light therapy box and being exposed to the artificial light it produces for a prescribed amount of time can help some people fight a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder.

Electroconvulsive therapy. Also called electroshock therapy, this type of therapy involves treating the brain with electric currents while a person is under anesthesia. It’s typically reserved for treating cases of severe depression, and is often very successful.

University Hospital and Medical Center offers behavioral health services, assessments and referrals to community resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without charge or obligation. For more information about our services and the admitting process, please visit our website or call 954-724-6502.

Sources:

Depression (NIMH)

Depression (Medline Plus)

Depression (New York Times)

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The Many Faces of Schizophrenia

University Pavilion: A Leader in Behavioral Health

Schizophrenia is mental disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to discern between real and unreal experiences and to communicate or behave properly in social settings. It also affects the person’s ability to think and communicate logically. Schizophrenia is commonly confused with dissociative identity disorder, also known as "multiple personality disorder" or "split personality."

Schizophrenia affects one percent of people worldwide. It occurs in men and women, but in women it tends to begin later and be milder. For men with schizophrenia, symptoms tend to develop in late adolescence to early adulthood. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, males tend to account for more than half of patients being treated for schizophrenia. In rare cases, schizophrenia can occur in children and people over 45.

Types of Schizophrenia

There are several different types of schizophrenia that present a variety of behaviors:

· Paranoid types—Patients may feel anxious, often be angry or argumentative, and falsely believe that others are trying to harm them or their loved ones.

· Disorganized types—These patients have problems thinking and expressing their ideas clearly, often exhibit childlike behavior, and frequently show little emotion.

· Catatonic types—Signs include a constant state of unrest or inactivity. These patients’ muscles and posture may be rigid. They may have other odd facial expressions and may be less responsive to others.

· Undifferentiated types—Symptoms include more than one other type of schizophrenia.

· Residual types—For these patients, some symptoms of schizophrenia are apparent, but not as many as for those who have been completely diagnosed.

Symptoms

People with schizophrenia may initially feel tense, or have trouble sleeping or concentrating. They may withdraw and isolate themselves. Over time, patients may develop other symptoms, including a lack of emotion, bizarre movements that show less of a reaction to the environment, false beliefs or thoughts that are not based in reality (delusions), and hearing, seeing and feeling things that are not there (hallucinations). They also may have trouble paying attention or staying on topic during conversations. Schizophrenia is diagnosed by a psychiatrist who performs an evaluation that includes interviews of the person and their family members.

Causes

· Family history—People who have family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the illness themselves.

· Environmental factors—Research suggests that stressful psychological experiences may increase the risk for developing schizophrenia later in life, especially in people who are already genetically at risk for the disorder.

· Drug use—Some recreational and prescription drugs may cause or worsen symptoms.

Treatment

Antipsychotic medications are effective treatment for schizophrenia. They change the balance of chemicals in the brain and can help control the symptoms of the illness. Therapy that focuses on problem-solving and social skills is also useful.

University Hospital and Medical Center offers behavioral health services, assessments, and referrals to community resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without charge or obligation. For more information about our services and the admitting process, please visit our website or call 954-724-6502.

Source:

National Center for Biotechnology Information

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University Pavilion: A Leader in Behavioral Health

When it comes to mental illness, one of the most underdiagnosed demographics is older adults. Around 20 percent of those over age 65 are struggling with a mental disorder, and an estimated 60 percent are not receiving the behavioral healthcare they need. Older adults tend to respond well to treatment, and they can go back to living full and happy lives if their family and loved ones notice the signs and get them the care they need.

Signs of Depression

As people age, they begin to experience many losses as spouses, family, and friends begin to pass away. Although grief is natural and healthy, many older adults will settle into an indefinite period of depression. Some signs of depression to look for include:

· Change in sleep patterns

· A loss of interest in usual daily activities

· Difficulty concentrating or holding a conversation

· Complaints about a physical pain with no known cause

· Regular talk of hopelessness or guilt

· Isolation

· Increased consumption of alcohol

Signs of Anxiety Disorders

More than 11 percent of adults over age 55 suffer from an anxiety disorder. Although it is normal to feel occasional moments of stress during certain life circumstances, an unwavering routine of nervousness that disrupts daily life calls for professional behavioral healthcare. Signs might include:

· Irritability

· Inability to sleep through the night

· A long-term pattern of headaches or stomachaches

· Fatigue

· A constant fear of death or mental illness

· Shaking

· Chest pains

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Veterans of war, or older adults who have experienced an intense crisis first-hand, commonly suffer from PTSD. Those who need behavioral healthcare will often feel haunted by strong memories of the past, complain about restless sleep or nightmares, or experience flashbacks and moments of confusion and panic when they think they are experiencing a trauma again.

Other Mental Disorders

Older adults can also struggle with a panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Although some of these are more likely to be diagnosed earlier in life, younger patients might slip through the cracks or the disorder can uncharacteristically develop later in life. Any time you notice an unexplained change in your loved one’s behavior, especially if it seems to be disrupting his or her usual life, it could be a sign that behavioral healthcare is necessary.

For more information about behavioral health services at University Hospital, please visit our website or call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 954-724-6502.

Sources:

Mental Health Needs and Older Adults (CapeFearHealthyMinds.org)

Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly (HelpGuide.org)

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What Is Behavioral Health?

“Detox,” or detoxification, is the process whereby a drug or alcohol leaves a person’s body. This process is accompanied by side effects, some of which can be life threatening. When patients undertake this process at a medical treatment facility, treatment is given to aid with acute withdrawal symptoms. Medication can help in eliminating or lessening some symptoms. In patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal syndrome, these symptoms can include:

· Tremors

· Insomnia

· Autonomic hyperactivity

· Seizures

· Delirium

· Heart palpitation

· Restlessness

· Loss of appetite

· Nausea

· Vomiting

They can range in intensity from mild to severe. In addition to treating the symptoms of withdrawal, detoxification treatment in a medical facility also includes education and counseling. This treatment can be administered through two different types of programming: inpatient and outpatient.

Inpatient

Inpatient treatment means that a patient will go to a facility to stay for a period of time, usually 5 to 14 days, while detoxification occurs. Many patients opt for inpatient treatment because patients receive around-the-clock supervision and can access medical care whenever they need it. An inpatient setting also means that the patient is removed from the environment where the addiction occurred, a factor that can help prevent relapse. Inpatient rehabilitation can be more expensive, so it’s important to check with your insurance company to determine coverage.

Outpatient

Outpatient treatment means that a patient will go to a hospital or treatment facility daily, while detoxification occurs. Outpatient treatment can range from 3 to 14 days, and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per session. This option is preferable if the patient’s insurance doesn’t cover inpatient rehabilitation, or if the patient needs to remain at home to care for a family or continue working. Patients in these programs also have access to more social support. However, outpatient therapy also means that the patient remains in an environment where they have easier access to addictive substances and greater risk for relapse.

Patients can usually choose between inpatient and outpatient treatment if they have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Those at risk for life threatening symptoms, such as delirium tremens, and those who become suicidal or homicidal must have inpatient care, as do patients with medical conditions in addition to addiction, such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, or cirrhosis.

Determining the right treatment option depends on each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle. Identifying these specific needs is one of the first steps that a mental health professional will take when helping someone to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol. The University Pavilion is a free-standing building on the campus of University Hospital and Medical Center in Tamarac, Florida. We offer people mental health services, including outpatient detoxification, at this modern facility. For more information on how to get help for you or a loved one, visit University Hospital and Medical Center online or call 1-866-442-2362 to speak with a nurse who can answer questions and help you find help immediately.

Sources:

Alcohol, Health and Research World

National Institute on Drug Abuse

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