How Treatment Programs Address Co-occurring Issues like PTSD

Contributed by: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, writer for Eating Disorder Hope

If you or a loved one has struggled with co-occurring disorders, you have likely faced many challenges in finding recovery and treatment. Having one mental illness in itself is difficult to deal with, and other mental illnesses can complicate things further.

The reality is that eating disorders commonly develop with other mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.

The good news is that treatment methods have improved to address co-occurring disorders and to better help those who may be dealing with multiple mental illnesses.

Integrated Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders

Many programs offer integrated treatment for individuals suffering with co-occurring disorders. Treatment can vary in intensity, from inpatient to residential to outpatient. In the most severe cases of mental illness, inpatient care may be necessary to help disrupt dangerous behaviors or to help stabilize a person who is dealing with medical complications.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders begins by prioritizing an individual’s health. In the case of eating disorders, many medical complications may be present at the onset of treatment. Addressing any physical concerns first in treatment can help ensure that other therapeutic methods will be effective.

For example, for someone who is dealing with anorexia, is severely malnourished and underweight, prioritizing weight restoration and re-feeding are necessary steps before any other treatment methods can be introduced, such as psychotherapy.

Adding Evidence-Based Practices for Eating Disorders

As medical concerns are addressed and treated, other evidenced-based approaches can also be integrated for the treatment of co-occurring disorders. This includes:

• Pharmacotherapy
• Counseling
• Trauma work
• Group therapy
• Other treatments

Treatment centers that offer integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders often function as a multi-specialty treatment team, offering care from health professionals who can help address the complex issues that may arise.

The Overlaps and Similarities Between Co-occurring Disorders

As you progress with your treatment, you will find that your co-occurring disorders often have many overlaps and similarities. Co-occurring disorders often develop from similar biological, psychological, emotional, and environmental roots.

Having integrated treatment can effectively address these common roots, thereby addressing both mental disorders that may be present. Common methods utilized in the treatment of co-occurring disorders may include the following:

Pharmacotherapy:

Many medications may be helpful in managing the symptoms of some mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications are all types of psychotherapeutic medications that might be prescribed as part of the treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Individual Therapy:

Working with a counselor or therapist will be an important part of healing and recovering from co-occurring disorders. The guidance from a therapist can be helpful in building healthy coping skills, reinforcing self-worth, and building skills for long term recovery.

Holistic Therapies:

Many treatment programs for co-occurring disorders offer several alternative therapies that compliment traditional therapeutic approaches, such as yoga, equine therapy, art, dance, and movement therapy. Incorporating alternative therapies in treatment can increase the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program for co-occurring disorders.

Support Groups:

Learning from other peers/families/friends who may have walked this journey before you can bring the encouragement and hope you need to continue on in your journey. It is also helpful to share your thoughts and emotions within a safe environment to process your experiences.

Many times, suffering with mental illness can bring shame, guilt, and a myriad of other painful emotions. Having group support from peers can be a powerful force in your life as you begin to recover from mental illness.

Family Education:

If your loved one has been struggling with mental illness, there may be many aspects of the co-occurring disorders that you do not understand. The recovery journey itself can also be overwhelming at times. Many treatment programs offer support, education and counseling for families/friends, which can empower families as a support system for the sufferer.

Because of the stigmas that do surround mental illnesses, stepping out for help can be a tremendous struggle. By reaching out for the help you need, you will find that there are amazing resources for co-occurring disorders, and through professional treatment, you can begin your recovery journey.

If you are interested in finding a program that addresses co-occurring mental illnesses, be sure to inquire about integrated approaches for treatment. It is possible to find the right approach to effectively treat the disorders you may be struggling with.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What treatment approaches have you found to be effective for co-occurring disorders?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 28th, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com