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

Call Main (772) 335-0400

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Senior Adult Mental Health Program

Port St. Lucie Florida Hospital’s Senior Adult Program

Older adults, or those aged 50 or above, make essential contributions to our society as employees, friends and family members. Although mental health problems and substance abuse problems are not a normal part of aging, many older Americans face issues such as anxiety and depression. Chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes can take a serious toll on mental health, especially as we age. The Port St. Lucie Senior Adult Mental Health Program promotes mental health and overall wellness in older adults, helping seniors enjoy a higher quality of life.

Contents

The Mental Health Issues Facing Senior Adults

Our population is aging quickly. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 2015 and 2050, the population of older adults will roughly double. Specifically, the number of adults over the age of 60 will go from 900 million to 2 billion. Unfortunately, older adults face particular mental and physical health challenges. As a result, treatments should be specifically tailored to them.

The WHO also estimates that 20% of adults over 60 suffer from either a mental or neurological condition, with dementia and depression the most common conditions. Furthermore, they note that 7% of the world’s older population suffer from depression, 3.8% have anxiety disorders and the remaining 9% experience substance abuse. Many of these problems, unfortunately, are under-identified by health care professionals, meaning few senior adults get the care they actually need.

Port St. Lucie’s Senior Adult Mental Health Program

Port St. Lucie’s senior adult program was created to provide integrative, holistic mental health treatment to senior adults. We not only treat the medical causes of mental health disorders but also give individuals the support they need to overcome difficulties and live a healthier life. For instance, some of the conditions we can assist with include:

Depression
Anxiety
Compulsive behavior
Memory loss
Confusion
Suicidal ideation
Obsessive behavior
Panic attacks
Psychotic disturbances
Mood & affective disorders
Phobias
Dual diagnosis
Grief & loss
Aging issues
Bipolar disorders
Prescription medication overuse
Behavioral disturbances due to early dementia
Depression due to chronic pain

With this in mind, the community-based Port St. Lucie Hospital offers both voluntary and involuntary comprehensive treatment programs designed to meet the specific needs of adults over 60 suffering from serious psychiatric and/or dual diagnosis issues. The first step, however, is simply beginning with a conversation with our mental health professionals. This will help you better understand mental health conditions and treatment options.

Port St. Lucie Treatment and Care Strategies

Senior adults are particularly vulnerable to mental health conditions because they often live in isolation, away from friends and family members. Moreover, many older adults may feel a stigma towards needing mental health services because of their upbringing. Port St. Lucie Hospital recognizes the specific needs of older populations and tailors the Senior Adult Mental Health Program by providing:

Specialized training for staff in providing care for older adults
Cognitive and behavioral health-based services
Targeted policies on long-term and palliative care
Preventing and managing chronic age-related and other diseases, specifically mental health and substance use disorders
Nutrition and activities for brain health
Creating age-friendly environments and services for senior adults.

Treatment Process

Port St. Lucie Hospital’s Senior Adult Mental Health Program provides the highest quality assessment, diagnosis, stabilization and treatment for adults over the age of 60 with acute psychiatric issues. In addition, seniors can choose between inpatient or partial hospitalization. Treatment is provided for our patients with kindness, empathy, dignity, and respect at all levels in the continuum of care in order to maximize the individual’s ability to achieve successful mental and emotional health.

Before a patient begins treatment, several assessments are conducted to evaluate their physical, social and emotional health. In particular, these assessments help determine the appropriate level of care, including inpatient or partial hospitalization treatment. Treatment modalities consist of:

Crisis evaluation
Cognitive screenings
Medication evaluation and management
Group psychotherapy
Family education
Nutritional consultations
Supplemental therapies
Coordination with primary care physicians
Coordination with community senior services, as well as care managers

What Does Care Look Like for Older Adults?

As we grow older, both our minds and bodies need extra support. As a result, care at Port St. Lucie Hospital is designed uniquely for senior adults. In particular, each treatment plan is designed by our interdisciplinary team to provide each senior with the best care track. Moreover, treatment plans evolve with the patient. For example, we reassess and re-evaluate each patient frequently, in order to help them continue to grow and to support them to work towards a healthier life. Additionally, we focus on giving them the resources they need for success including:

Counseling for individuals and their support groups
Self-care strategies
Treatment for chronic and co-occurring conditions
Empowerment techniques promoting feelings of security and freedom
Tools they need for long term mental health
Flexible pacing of programs to match their needs

Discharge Process

Planning for discharge, be it a return to a home environment or an alternate living arrangement, begins on the day of admission. Social workers and the treatment team, with the input and assistance of family and caregivers, help to make the transition to community living a safe and seamless experience. Connect with us today to see how we can help you or a loved one.

Medicare and most HMO’s and PPO’s are accepted. In addition, financial arrangements for self-pay may also be made.

We can help you

Port St. Lucie Hospital specializes in mental health services and is located on 20 acres near the beautiful Savannas Preserve. If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with a mental health disorder, we can help. Our 24-hour mental health services are provided by licensed professionals in various disciplines. We tailor our programs to our patient’s needs and will help you every step of the way.

We welcome you to our facility. From support groups to individual therapy treatment options, we are here to fight the battle with you. Reach out to us online today. You can also call us at (772) 335-0400.