Ushna Nawaz
A major
depressive disorder (depression) is a global-scale and severe public health
problem that affects in a negative manner to our feelings, our thinking, and
behavior. The rising co-morbidity poses a threat for the community, but luckily,
it can be treated. Feeling of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities
can isolate an individual and illicit multiple behaviors, mental and
psychological issues.
This
situation can move towards various emotional and physical problems and can
cause a decrease in an individual’s ability to perform well at work and at home
as well (American Psychiatric Association, 2013
Depression is also linked with alcohol dependence and substance abuse. Somehow, the relation between depression and substance abuse is vice versa. The co-occurring of depressive disorder and substance abuse are highly prevalent. According to the National Health Survey, 2010, it has been estimated that around 3.4 million adults indulge in substance abuse disorder, among which 16.9% report depressive symptoms. The current case depicted how an adult suffers from a depressive disorder and how the depressive phase leads to substance dependency. The treatment modalities have also been addressed to illustrate the current situation of the client.
Depression is also linked with alcohol dependence and substance abuse. Somehow, the relation between depression and substance abuse is vice versa. The co-occurring of depressive disorder and substance abuse are highly prevalent. According to the National Health Survey, 2010, it has been estimated that around 3.4 million adults indulge in substance abuse disorder, among which 16.9% report depressive symptoms. The current case depicted how an adult suffers from a depressive disorder and how the depressive phase leads to substance dependency. The treatment modalities have also been addressed to illustrate the current situation of the client.
Case Study
The client was 32 years old man. He had issues in his marital life and
congenital conflicts. His marriage life was disturbed. He got married at the
age of 28, and he had a good time with his wife. They had a loving relationship
with each other, with usual small issues. He worked abroad and often came home
to meet his wife and family. They had two children. His wife’s family
pressurized him and asked for a divorce and demanded alimony for his wife and
kids. Both partners were not interested in getting a divorce. Meanwhile, he
went abroad for some business issues; during that time, his in-laws persuaded
his wife to get a divorce. When he came back home, his wife was not at home;
she left home with children. This situation was the main cause of his sadness
as he loved his wife and children.
It was a sudden shock to the client. He tried to convince her wife, but it was
not getting better. He became tense about all these things. The client isolated
himself even from his family with whom he had a strong bond. He spent most of
his time in his room. He had two suicidal attempts, but his mother saved him
both time. He had lost his interest in all activities even he did not want to
continue his life. He lost all his hopes and gave up. He quit his business and
cut his bonds with his relatives and friends. He missed his marriage life, his
wife, and their children. He just wanted to end his life. He was diagnosed with
depression when his father brought him to the hospital. During this time he met
some drug addicts. In the early stage, he started to smoke, and after some days
he started other drugs like powder sniffing and alcohol. He took extra doses of
medicines prescribed by the doctor for depression. On check-up, he was
diagnosed with depression along with drug abuse. His depression led him to drug
abuse.
Conner, Pinquart, and Gamble (2009) explained the relationship between
depression, alcohol, and substance abuse. This meta-analysis hypothesized that
there exists a relationship between depression, substance abuse, and alcohol
abuse. By accepting this hypothesis, this study proved that depression,
substance abuse, and alcohol abuse are linked.
According to the American Psychiatric Association and Mental Health Foundation,
depression can happen due to genetics, biochemistry, personality, and
environmental factors. In this study, the prominent reason for depression is
life events, the pressure faced by the client from his in-laws, the separation
from his wife and from his children. According to Haris (1976), those who face
long term issues (pressure from in-laws, not being with his wife and children)
are more likely to become disturbed. The comorbidity of depression, alcohol,
and drug abuse is also approved by (Booth, Walton, Barry, Cunningham, Chermack,
& Blow, 2011).
Interventions
The
following interventions have been implement to reduce the chances of relapse
prevention or current symptoms.
Pharmacological Treatment
Tricyclic medication, and Serotonin reuptake inhibitors has been used to reduce
the symptoms of patients during active phase.
Psychological
Therapies
The therapist including individual, group or family therapies has implemented multiple therapeutic modalities. Cognitive behavior therapy and thought restructuring found to be effective for the treatment of suicidal ideation.
The therapist including individual, group or family therapies has implemented multiple therapeutic modalities. Cognitive behavior therapy and thought restructuring found to be effective for the treatment of suicidal ideation.
Psychological
Intervention
Psychoeducational techniques for the orientation or education of patients regarding depressive symptom helps in the treatment plan. Support for integration in community, and psychological rehabilitation also facilitated their client to overcome his depressive symptoms.
Prevention of substance abuse by using psychological treatment found to be effective in reducing the undesirable behavior of the client. Motivational therapies and twelve steps towards substance abuse reduction is the most effective way for the behavioral treatment for the substance abusers.
The client is now admitted in the hospital. His condition is moving towards betterment. He is making goals to achieve and planning about his future. He has positivity in his thoughts which represent that he has good influence of treatment. His self-esteem lies in the normal range but the interpretation of HTP still shows some signs of desire of alcohol intake. His family support can play a major role at this point to make him a stable person with new vision and goals.
Psychoeducational techniques for the orientation or education of patients regarding depressive symptom helps in the treatment plan. Support for integration in community, and psychological rehabilitation also facilitated their client to overcome his depressive symptoms.
Prevention of substance abuse by using psychological treatment found to be effective in reducing the undesirable behavior of the client. Motivational therapies and twelve steps towards substance abuse reduction is the most effective way for the behavioral treatment for the substance abusers.
The client is now admitted in the hospital. His condition is moving towards betterment. He is making goals to achieve and planning about his future. He has positivity in his thoughts which represent that he has good influence of treatment. His self-esteem lies in the normal range but the interpretation of HTP still shows some signs of desire of alcohol intake. His family support can play a major role at this point to make him a stable person with new vision and goals.