Concurrent Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is Concurrent Disorder?

Alcohol, Substances or process Addictions’ (gambling, internet, texting, video games,  pornography, etc) co-occurring with any one or many of the mental, emotional or psychiatric illnesses is called Concurrent disorders.

Who is a Patient Suffering from Concurrent Disorder?

A person addicted to Alcohol, drugs’ or any process addiction suffering from a  psychiatric illness is a concurrent disorder patient in the Mental Health and Addiction  treatment community.

How Do You Recognize A Concurrent Disorder Patient?

This is a person who uses drugs or alcohol, has a history of treatment for addictions, tries to stop using drugs or drinking or gambling but unable to do so, and relapse is extremely common.

Why Concurrent Disorder Treatment?

A patient suffering from concurrent disorders usually has problems related to his / her  Addiction or Mental Illness. By the time they show up for treatment – they have incurred  major losses w. r. t. family, friends, health, money, and jobs. Treating the patient and     helping him or her in the healing journey will help that individual and also the family.          

What Is Treatment For Concurrent Disorders?

Treatment for concurrent disorder is multifold. It will include medical management of  symptoms, individual counseling, and support, teaching the patient life skills, educating the patient about their illness and medications and family support.

Our services include Intake, Assessment and treatment. We will assess the patient, and post assessment treatment will be planned. Other medical services, internal referrals to specialists as per patient need, lab services, medication management, information and education re: resources will be provided. We will include family in treatment due to the unique treatment needs of the concurrent disorder patients.

Dr. Kamali. R. SampathKumar., M.B.B.S. (KMC, Mangalore), Dip. In ADTP (Canada) is a Consultant in Behavioural Disorders specializing in Concurrent Disorders at Kauvery Hospital Chennai. She can be contacted at 730588705 / 9952001587.  Email: drkamali@kauveryhospital.com

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PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is an anxiety disorder- triggered by a traumatic experience.  It could be - an interpersonal event like physical or sexual assault, exposure to disaster, accidents, combat or witnessing a traumatic event. It can occur at any age following the traumatic experience. To be diagnosed with PTSD: the symptoms must be present for more than 30 days.

PTSD Symptoms can be classified into 3 different categories:

1."Reliving" the event, this affects daily activity

·         Flashback episodes: where the event seems to be happening again and again

·         Repeated memories of the event which upsets the patient

·         Repeated nightmares

·         Uncomfortable reactions to situations that reminds of the event

2. Avoidance (Hypo-Arousal)

·         "Numbing: feeling nothing" or feeling as though you don't care about anything

·         Feeling totally detached “I don’t really care”

·         Does not remember or unable to recall - important aspects of the trauma

·         No interest in normal activities

·         Appears distant and does not display emotions / mood

·         Deliberately avoids places, people, or thoughts that remind of the event

·         No hopes for future

3. Arousal (Hyper-Arousal)

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Easily Startled

·         An exaggerated response to things that surprise you

·         Hypervigilance: Feeling more aware

·         Irritability or angry outbursts

·         Sleep becomes affected: having trouble falling or staying asleep

           

Even though traumatic events can cause distress, not all feelings of distress are symptoms of PTSD. Talk to your friends and relatives about your feelings. If your symptoms do not improve soon or are making you very upset, or you are suffering from irritability, repeated upsetting thoughts, and problems with sleep contact your Doctor. There is proven treatment for PTSD, & your doctor will be able to help.

Dr. Kamali. R. SampathKumar., M.B.B.S. (KMC, Mangalore), Dip. In ADTP (Canada) is a Consultant in Behavioural Disorders specializing in Concurrent Disorders at Kauvery Hospital Chennai. She can be contacted at 730588705 / 9952001587.  Email: drkamali@kauveryhospital.com

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Bereavement - how do we help?

Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and grief following the death of a beloved person or animal

“He was here yesterday - we had so much fun. He was here in the morning, and we were playing and laughing--- I just got a call that my friend was dead—and Now – He is Gone??? My friend is dead!!! Dead for the world!!!! And I don’t know what to do!! Why do I feel so angry? Why do I have so many questions?” – A young friend.

This can happen to anyone. This might be one of the most painful experiences that one may go through. It will be hard to forget this terrible tragedy. Your memories of the departed friend or family- will not leave you- ever!!! It is extremely difficult when a loved one dies- it could be a friend or a family member. Some tell-tale signs of Grief / Bereavement:

• Apathy (loss of interest in usual activities)
• Anger (feels angry at the person who is dead, or holds others responsible for the persons death, angry at self for not being able to save the person)
• Loneliness / Isolation (looses interest in socializing and isolates self)
• Loss of appetite (does not feel hungry)
• Sadness ( at the loss)
• Tired ( no energy to do anything, being exhausted most of the time)
• Sleep pattern changes (Sleep can be affected either increase or decrease)
• Sometimes hearing voices or seeing the departed person

If you or your friends- have any of these physical symptoms of bereavement, and they do not improve gradually, & you are worried that something may be wrong- You or your friends- don't have to suffer and fear about your own well-being, see a doctor.

Dr. Kamali. R. SampathKumar., M.B.B.S. (KMC, Mangalore), Dip. In AdTP (Canada) is a Consultant in Behavioural Disorders specializing in Concurrent Disorders at Kauvery Hospital Chennai. She can be contacted at 730588705 / 9952001587.  Email: drkamali@kauveryhospital.com

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