Research has indicated that alcohol and mental health problems often go hand in hand. It appears that alcoholics have a higher risk of developing mental disorders than non-drinkers. In addition, research has also demonstrated that individuals with mental health problems quite often turn to alcohol in order to feel better.
Personality Disorders
Recent studies have indicated that individuals who have a drinking problem are at a higher risk of developing a full range of personality disorders. The most common associated with excesive drinking are as follows:
Antisocial personality: (ASPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood." Deceit and manipulation are considered essential features of the disorder. Research has indicated that this disorder is ten times more common among alcoholics than within the general population.
Dependent personality: The manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines dependent personality disorder as a "pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation".
Eating Disorders: Loosely defined as when a person eats, or refuses to eat, in order to satisfy a psychic need and not a physical need. The person doesn't listen to bodily signals or perhaps is not even aware of them. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
Antisocial personality: (ASPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood." Deceit and manipulation are considered essential features of the disorder. Research has indicated that this disorder is ten times more common among alcoholics than within the general population.
Dependent personality: The manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines dependent personality disorder as a "pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation".
Eating Disorders: Loosely defined as when a person eats, or refuses to eat, in order to satisfy a psychic need and not a physical need. The person doesn't listen to bodily signals or perhaps is not even aware of them. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
Mood Disorders & Anxiety
Alcohol induced mood disorders are usually characterized by a depressed mood and lack of interest in normal activities, as well as an elevated, expansive, or extremely irritable mood, which frequently develops after heavy drinking. These symptoms may occur during episodes of alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, and may resemble a primary major depressive, manic, hypomanic, or mixed episode.
Depression: Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 thousand lives every year.
Anxiety: According to a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), anxiety is a strong psychological risk factor associated with heavy or problem drinking. Anxiety can be defined as a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient's personal history and memory, and the social situation.
Depression: Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 thousand lives every year.
Anxiety: According to a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), anxiety is a strong psychological risk factor associated with heavy or problem drinking. Anxiety can be defined as a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient's personal history and memory, and the social situation.
