What's serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome, or serotonin toxicity, is an excess of serotonin in the body.

How do you get serotonin syndrome?

Generally, mild and more severe cases of serotonin syndrome is caused by taking too much medication (or a combination of medications) that alter serotonin levels. For example, taking a combination of antidepressants, or taking antidpressants with pain pills may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

How common is serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome is not often reported. However, this condition is thought to be commonly overlooked and may therefore be underdiagnosed.

How do you know if you have serotonin syndrome?

Symptoms of mild serotonin symptoms are easy to miss, so it is important to be aware of the medications that can cause this condition. In general, symptoms may include tremors or involuntary muscle movements, excessive sweating, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, pupil dilation, fever, anxiety, confusion, and ultimately, seizures.

How long does serotonin syndrome last?

The length of serotonin syndrome depends on the severity of the case. Mild serotonin syndrome will resolve on its own within a few days as long as the medication causing the problems is stopped. More severe cases will require medical attention and may take a week or longer to resolve.

What is a co-occurring disorder?

A co-occurring disorder is a condition that exists secondarily to another major health issue. If we use this co-occurring disorders definition to look at mental illness and substance abuse, we can see that turning to drugs or alcohol, which then results in addiction, often happens simultaneously when a patient also has mental health concerns. Since one issue influences and worsens the other, we would call these co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders must be treated together through a specialized program to ensure full recovery.

Why is drug addiction considered a disease?

As with any disease, drug addiction is classified as such because it is a condition that can cause serious and numerous health complications. Additionally, drug addiction is considered a disease because it cannot simply go away on its own—instead, it needs to be treated by experts in the field.

Is alcoholism a mental illness?

Yes. According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a diagnosable mental illness that occurs in people who experience at least two of the 11 total criteria for this disorder. In fact, alcohol and mental illness have always been connected. Alcohol use can lead to mental health symptoms, and experiencing mental health distress without treatment can lead people to use alcohol as a way to “cope.”

What is a co-occurring disorder?

A co-occurring disorder is when you experience a mental health condition alongside another. If you have depression and anxiety, these would be co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders can be challenging to diagnose and end up putting people at a greater risk for developing addiction struggles as well.

Is addiction a mental illness?

Having an addiction to drugs or alcohol is actually a mental illness. This means that addiction is something that greatly impacts your day-to-day life. Additionally, the fact that addiction is a mental health concern proves that it cannot go away on its own—instead, your ability to heal from addiction and any other mental health concerns relies on professional treatment.

What does dual diagnosis mean in mental health?

When it comes to mental health, dual diagnosis indicates that there is a mental health concern on top of a substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis is meant to help people who need treatment for mental health conditions as well as addiction.

What is dual diagnosis?

Simply put, the dual diagnosis definition is that a patient has two or more diagnoses that require treatment. For example, struggling with addiction as well as anxiety would be a dual disorder. With dual diagnosis treatment, you will have the opportunity to heal from both conditions in addition to learning valuable skills to use if you experience symptoms in the future.

What are barriers to mental health care?

Apart from challenges in getting access to care as well as navigating insurance for mental health treatment, the biggest barrier to mental health care is a lack of mental health awareness. Mental health awareness is essential in understanding symptoms of different mental illnesses and actually finding treatment to make your life happier and healthier.

What are evidence-based practices in mental health care?

Evidence-based practices are approaches to mental health care that are scientifically supported and proven to help treat specific disorders and illnesses, such as addiction. Port St. Lucie uses evidence-based practices to provide the best care possible for all of our patients.

How do I take care of my mental health?

The best way to take care of your mental health is to receive professional help through treatments for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Professional programs, like those at Port St. Lucie Hospital, give you access to evidence-based treatments that are proven to help you learn the skills you need to manage various mental health conditions.

Why care about mental health?

As with your overall health, mental health influences the way that you function from day to day. This is why it is so important to care about mental health. If you do not take care of your mental health, you could find it challenging to work, build healthy relationships, and even leave your home.

Can you visit someone who is Baker Acted?

Yes, unless having visitors will be harmful to the person being treated. If a facility wants to restrict visitors from a patient, they must file a written notice documenting the refusal of visitation.

How do you Baker Act a minor in Florida?

Baker Acts must be imposed by the courts or law enforcement, or medical/mental health professionals. If a parent wants to have their child Baker Acted, they should petition the Clerk of Court or contact the police.

Do you call 911 to Baker Act someone?

If a person is actively endangering themself or others while showing symptoms of mental illness then the police can be called to manage the situation. Alternatively, a request can be turned into the court to ask that an individual is mentally evaluated due to safety concerns.

Can you Baker Act yourself?

Yes, a Baker Act can be voluntary. However, to willingly Baker Act yourself you must be considered capable of consenting to treatment. To Baker Act yourself, visit an Emergency Room and describe your symptoms to medical professionals. If necessary, the medical staff will request the Baker Act.

What happens after a Baker Act?

When a person is Baker Acted in Florida they are taken to a mental health hospital that is also a Baker Act receiving facility. A mental evaluation must be performed within 72 hours. After 72 hours if deemed mentally stable the person will be released. If further treatment is mandated, the individual can be admitted to a mental health facility for up to six months.

What does it take to Baker Act someone in Florida?

To be Backer Acted in Florida a person must meet certain criteria. The individual must be showing signs of mental illness, a failure to understand why an evaluation may be needed, and/or posing a threat to themselves or others. Usually, a Baker Act is used in response to a mental health emergency. A Baker Act can be started by medical professionals, the court system, and law enforcement.

What does Baker Acted mean?

Usually, being Baker Acted means that a person was admitted to a mental health hospital to be mentally assessed. The time a person can be held during the Baker Act is 72 hours.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

Yes, we do take insurance, give us a call for a free insurance verification.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT LAST?

Treatment can vary from a few days to months. Research shows that the longer a person remains in treatment, the greater the likelihood that long-term recovery will result. As with most aspects of treatment (such as therapy types and program structures), determining ideal length of stay involves an analysis of a number of personal factors.

WHAT TYPES OF THERAPIES ARE USED IN TREATMENT?

Please see our treatments under Programs and Services here

WILL MY FAMILY BE INVOLVED IN MY TREATMENT?

Family involvement is an integral component of an effective treatment program. Though every recovery experience is unique and personal, most effective treatment programs will encourage strong family involvement.

WHAT ARE THE VISITING HOURS AT PORT ST LUCIE HOSPITAL?

Behavioral Services visiting hours, Wed 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Sat 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm, Sunday 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Support Group Options During and After Treatment

A treatment program is the first step towards overcoming a mental illness or a drug addiction, but it isn’t effective unless you participate in a support group. That’s why so many programs, like the ones offered by Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital, require participation in various support groups.

Support groups can help you while you’re currently enrolled in an adult psychiatric program, a dual diagnosis program, or a crisis care intervention setting, but they can also help you long after you have graduated. Especially since there are many different groups to choose from!

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Support Group With Other Patients

Support groups that are attended by peers are an extremely common choice for those living with an addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous is a popular option for those who want to meet face to face when talking about their dependence on alcohol with others who have similar life experiences. However, there are many different support groups you can be a part of, whether you’re dealing with a drug addiction or a mental illness.

In some cases, the group is led by a mental health professional. This is the case if you’re attending a support group while still enrolled in a treatment program. After you graduate, you may find a group that is peer led, which can provide you with companionship, understanding, and encouragement.

Support Group With Friends and Family Members

Meeting peer to peer is a great way to get support, but it’s equally—if not more—important to involve your friends and family members in the recovery process. Family support plays a strong role in recovery from mental health and addiction problems. Family members can encourage and support treatment, provide crisis intervention, and help you get back on your feet when they are involved in the recovery process.

When meeting with a licensed therapist, you and your family can participate in role-playing exercises that enable you to better express yourself, while certain activities and exercises can help you build stronger, more positive connections with the important people in your life, who can then encourage you to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Other Support Groups

Don’t make the mistake of thinking a support group is always just a bunch of people sitting around, talking about their feelings and how to overcome personal challenges.

Although all support groups rely on group members that can include peers, as well as families and friends, groups and sessions can focus on a lot more than just talking about problems. For example, groups can focus on listening and moving the body to music. This can encourage a strong mind and body connection, which reduces stress, which in turn can reduce the chances of a mental health or addiction relapse.

Art therapy is also a popular group activity that enables participants to work through their feelings and frustrations using a wide variety of mediums, such as paint or clay. Some groups may focus on writing, while others focus on three-dimensional materials, like blocks. It’s also common for groups to play games or engage in cooperative activities that are designed to boost self-esteem, build a sense of accomplishment, and take your mind off of your personal challenges for a while.

That’s not all! In some cases, animal companions may be brought into a group setting. Therapy dogs, cats, and other small animals have the power to alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as help those with mood disorders. Not only do they provide non-judgmental support and positive energy, they can also serve as a great ice breaker when a new member joins the group, or a group is meeting for the very first time.

Online Support Groups

When you meet in person, a support group can be extremely effective, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the support you need if you are unable to leave your home. Whether it’s a transportation problem, your health, or something else, there are online support groups that may be able to help.

Although studies are few and far between, support groups for depression are showing some promise. Not all types of activities are possible with this type of setting, but it can still be a great way for those who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues to get support from peers with similar life experiences and challenges.

Why Join a Support Group After You Graduate From a Treatment Program?

It’s easy to feel like you’ve conquered your mental illness or addiction once you have graduated from a treatment program, but long-term recovery requires you to continue to work on your mental and physical health. Attending group therapy sessions comes with multiple benefits, whether you attend during or after a treatment program. For example:

A support group is a great place to get information and resources that can help you better manage a mental health condition or an addiction.
Meeting gives you the opportunity to practice social skills, like expressing your feelings, especially when doing so can be uncomfortable.
Meeting also provides you with the ability to practice coping skills that can help you deal with challenges in your daily life.
Peer support from others who have similar life experiences can provide you with a sense of belonging and understanding.

The emotional support you will receive from a support group is invaluable, but the real value of support groups is in their ability to help you prevent a relapse, which makes them such a good option for those who are working on maintaining their mental health or sobriety. Groups can also help you identify when you need more intensive support earlier than you would on your own, helping you get back on your feet faster if you are facing a relapse.

Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital believes very strongly in the effectiveness of group therapy, which is why we offer a variety of group therapy options in all of our behavioral health programs, which includes our partial hospitalization program after you have graduated from one of our programs. To learn more about our support group options or to learn more about our recovery programs, call (772) 238-7734 to speak directly with a member of our team. You can also contact us by filling out our online form and we’ll get back to you with the answers to your questions.