5b. Mental Health (Depression, Schizophrenia & Other Psychotic Disorders)
In the first lesson of this course, you learned that individuals who abuse alcohol may develop what is called alcohol use disorder, or AUD. Persons with AUD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Having multiple disorders at the same time is known as comorbidity.
Use the accordions below to find out more.
Depression
- Alcohol itself is a depressant, and will increase the chemicals in the brain that make us feel sad or anxious
- As greater amounts of alcohol are consumed regularly, the more likely the person will experience symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Over time, these symptoms will intensify, and become severe
- As an alcohol-dependent individual becomes anxious or depressed, they will begin to believe that drinking will take away their feelings of sadness and nervousness
Schizophrenia
- It is common for patients with schizophrenia to also experience alcohol use disorder
- Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, confusion, and damage to cognitive abilities
- Patients with schizophrenia are 3 times more likely to abuse alcohol