Substance-induced depressive disorder (SIDD) is a mental illness that may occur in people who consume too much alcohol or drugs and, as a result, develop a severe dependence on one or some of these substances. The major problem at the initial stage of diagnosing is that depression might have appeared before alcohol or drugs were consumed, so the therapist needs to investigate all symptoms carefully to confirm SIDD (Hartney, 2017).
The most common treatment option for SIDD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This option is regarded as the most viable for two reasons. Firstly, psychotherapy is the most common approach to managing mental health issues in patients who do not need hospitalization. Secondly, since the major problem of SIDD patients is the use of medication, it is better not to include any in the treatment plan.
CBT is based on the concept that people’s thoughts and feelings affect their behavior. Therefore, to help SIDD patients, a therapist should start with identifying destructive thoughts and evaluating how well they reflect reality (“Cognitive behavioral therapy,” n.d.). In case the patient’s thoughts do not present a correct depiction of reality, a mental health specialist should come up with strategies of altering the person’s attitude. Evidence-based research indicates the benefits of applying CBT to SIDD treatment. Tolliver and Anton (2015) note that patients receiving combined therapy with the inclusion of CBT demonstrate a “significantly higher rate of abstinence” (p. 186).
Linke and Ussher (2014) report that CBT is “effective for overcoming barriers” (p. 11). While CBT is regarded as the most successful approach for SIDD patients, there are some alternative therapies recommended by specialists. Linke and Ussher (2014) argue that exercise-based treatments are highly effective in managing substance-induced disorders. Chandragiri (2016) remarks that pharmacological treatment may be considered in case the patient truly has a psychiatric or medical need for medication. Thus, a therapist should base treatment on the results of the patient’s examination.
References
Chandragiri, S. S. (2016). Substance-induced mood disorder. Web.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. (n.d.). Web.
Hartney, E. (2017). Substance-induced mood disorder: When alcohol, drugs or medications make you feel worse. Web.
Linke, S. E., & Ussher, M. (2014). Exercise-based treatments for substance use disorders: Evidence, theory, and practicality. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 41(1), 7-15.
Tolliver, B. K., & Anton, R. F. (2015). Assessment and treatment of mood disorders in the context of substance abuse. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 17(2), 181-190.