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

Anxiety Disorder Inpatient Program in Southeast Florida - Port St. Lucie Hospital, Inc.

Ever since the onset of COVID-19, more and more people have started to experience feelings of anxiety and depression—a hefty 25 percent more than in preceding years, in fact. If your anxiety impedes your ability to live a balanced, active life, it may be time to seek professional help. An anxiety disorder inpatient program can provide you with a calm, uplifting environment in which you can establish stability and learn key coping skills to manage your symptoms.

Contents

What Is Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It’s normal for situations like public speaking, taking a test, or going in for a job interview to trigger anxiety. When that anxiety doesn’t go away or worsens over time, however, it could be because of an anxiety disorder.

There are five major types of anxiety disorders:

Today, we’ll focus on discussing the symptoms and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. That being said, Port St. Lucie Hospital is equipped to deal with all forms of anxiety, as well as many other mental health issues. If you’re looking for an anxiety disorder inpatient program of any kind, we can help.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder manifests in a variety of mental and physical symptoms. It is most defined by the presence of worry or dread that persists even without a cause. Once such feelings last for six months or more, someone’s anxiety can be considered anxiety disorder.

In addition to consistent feelings of apprehension, other symptoms of anxiety disorder include:

Restlessness
Fatigue
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Headaches or muscle pain
Insomnia

Someone with anxiety disorder may also deal with anxiety or panic attacks. These are more extreme, acute episodes of anxiety characterized by the addition of symptoms like elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sweating.

An anxiety attack by itself is unlikely to be dangerous, but it can still be uncomfortable and difficult to cope with on your own. If you’re experiencing frequent anxiety attacks and finding it difficult to engage in day-to-day life, that may be another sign that it’s time to contact an anxiety disorder inpatient treatment center.

Causes of Anxiety Disorder

Individuals can develop an anxiety disorder due to a number of factors. Research suggests there could be a genetic component, meaning that if several of your family members have an anxiety disorder, you could be more likely to have one as well.

Anxiety disorder can also emerge as the result of external stressors, such as:

Ongoing pressures in your work, school, or home environments
Living through a traumatic event like war, abuse, or a near-death experience
A drastic life change, including the loss of a loved one or moving to a new place

In some cases, those with anxiety may suffer from co-occurring disorders as well. These are illnesses that exist at the same time and often feed into each other, causing symptoms to worsen. Common mental health issues that appear alongside anxiety disorders include depression and substance abuse.

For these individuals, it’s important to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will effectively tackle all issues at their roots. An anxiety disorder inpatient program like the one offered at Port St. Lucie Hospital can provide a strong foundation for additional mental health treatment. No matter the extent of your struggles, our staff of mental health experts will ensure all your needs are met.

Anxiety Disorder Inpatient Program

When anxiety disorder has a severe impact on one’s well-being and ability to function, an anxiety disorder inpatient program may be the right choice for them. Port St. Lucie Hospital offers one such mental health program backed by evidence-based treatment options and extensive care plans.

Upon arrival, each patient is evaluated by our licensed team of mental health experts to determine the level of care needed. Afterward, they’ll help formulate a plan tailored to your situation and check in frequently as you move forward.

Treating anxiety disorder requires a balance of educational, medical, and social treatment options. Some of the activities you may encounter at Port St. Lucie Hospital include:

We cultivate our treatment options based on what has proven to work and what people need the most. For those with anxiety disorder, that often means improving self-image and communication skills. The different types of therapy you can partake in at Port St. Lucie Hospital help tremendously when it comes to building these life skills.

For example, group therapy introduces you to other individuals who share similar struggles. Not only will you build supportive relationships, but you will learn how to comfortably communicate and engage with others.

Recreational therapy allows you to engage in a variety of interesting activities, such as art, music, and sports. Each has its own unique benefits and educational merits, but much like group therapy, these tend to root themselves in communication as well. As for their individual strengths, some may develop teamwork skills, while others focus on building creativity and emotional expression.

These crucial life skills will teach you healthy methods of coping with anxiety, build your self-esteem, and enable your successful transition back to daily life at home.

Planning For the Long Term

At Port St. Lucie Hospital, our goal is always to provide our patients with the stability and tools they need to return to their everyday lives. To see that mission fulfilled, discharge planning starts on day one. Our team will work with you to construct a long-term treatment plan that will serve you even after you graduate from residential care.

Discharge planning consists of several vital factors for your recovery. We’ll ensure that you continue to have access to our therapy and counseling services, as well as support groups and any medications you need. Furthermore, career planning is taken into account, and we can work with you to settle living arrangements as needed.

No matter what your personal struggle entails, you can trust that the staff at Port St. Lucie Hospital will remain by your side from the moment you first contact us.

Crisis Care Services

If your mental health state becomes more extreme and you need immediate assistance, Port St. Lucie Hospital also offers highly efficient crisis care services. Regardless of your current state, you will be welcomed in with haste, compassion, and respect. Our team of mental health experts will work tirelessly to return your sense of stability and control.

In the event that you’re unsure if you need immediate help, there are a few signs to look for. You may need to seek a crisis care center if you want to harm yourself or others, stop taking care of your needs, or lose touch with reality. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re considering that you may be in a crisis, it may be worthwhile to go ahead and reach out for help.

Our crisis care services utilize many of the same treatment options as our anxiety disorder inpatient program, including a variety of therapies, medication evaluation, and educational workshops. But what makes it special is the addition of our specialized crisis intervention team. They know how to guide you through your crisis and de-escalate the situation to a manageable level.

Get Anxiety Disorder Inpatient Treatment Now

Port St. Lucie Hospital is proud to provide high-quality, comprehensive care for those struggling with mental illness. Our anxiety disorder inpatient program offers a peaceful, home-like environment where individuals can learn to manage their symptoms through the use of healthy coping skills. With patience, empathy, and time, you can lessen the impact anxiety has on your life.

If you’re ready to stop anxiety from controlling your day-to-day life, call us at (772) 335-0400 or submit a confidential contact form online. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and put you on the path to recovery.

Anxiety Disorder Inpatient Program in Southeast Florida