Which Mental Disorder Is Most Commonly Comorbid With Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a serious problem that can lead to a myriad of other problems.
One of the most common mental disorders that alcoholism is comorbid with is depression. This is not surprising, as both alcoholism and depression can be caused by changes in brain chemistry. Depression is also a common symptom of withdrawal from alcohol. Other mental disorders that are commonly comorbid with alcoholism include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, it is important to get help. There are many resources available to those struggling with addiction, and treatment can make a tremendous difference. If you are struggling with alcoholism and another mental disorder, please seek professional help to address both issues.
Alcoholism is a disease that not only wreaks havoc on the alcoholic’s life, but also on the lives of those around them. While it is common for alcoholics to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders, the most commonly co-occurring mental disorder is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a disorder that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of anything that reminds the person of the trauma.
For many alcoholics, PTSD is the result of years of drinking. The trauma may be from a single event, such as a car accident, or from continuous exposure to an abusive situation. In either case, the alcoholism amplifies the symptoms of PTSD and makes it difficult for the sufferer to recover.
Treatment for alcoholism often includes therapy to address the underlying causes of the addiction. For those with PTSD, this may include exposure therapy, which gradually exposes the patient to triggering events in a safe and controlled environment. With treatment, people with alcoholism and PTSD can learn to manage their symptoms and live healthy and productive lives.
