Question

are there any similar factors in adults that have been found to correlate to an increase risk for a mood disorder or substance abuse?

Answer 1

In order to understand the correlation between factors in adults and increase risk for a mood and substance abuse disorder,its important to define these terms.

Mood Disorder- It is a broad term which is used to describe the mental health problems which primarily affects a person's emotional state. It majorly includes Depression and Bipolar disorders .

Substance Abuse - It is defined as harmful use of any psychoactive substance (like alcohal and other illicit drugs) which can be detrimental to self, society or both.

Factors present in adult that have been found to correlate to an increased risk for a mood disorder or substance abuse are-

• Genetic predisposition and family history- Family studies that include identical twins, fraternal twins have suggested that as much as half of the person's risk of becoming addicted depends on his or her genetic make up. A person who has a family history of abusing drugs or mood disorders are more likely to experience it.
• Early life negative experiences or childhood trauma- People suffering from mental disorders, childhood trauma is reported at a much higher rate. Childhood trauma leads to abnormalities in affect regulation, impulse control, and cognitive functioning that could reduce the ability to cope with later environmental stressor which makes an adult more vulnerable for substance abuse.
• Socio Economic Status- Lower levels of house hold incomes are associated with mental health problems like depression, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse.
• Stress in Life- Everyday stress due to job or family tension is part of life. But when is goes unnoticed or persists for a longer time it causes depression in people . People with a stressful life are more susceptible to substance abuse as it gives them a temporary euphoria or feeling of joy.

There are other factors like health issues, a prolonged illness, social injustice etc. which can cause mood disorders. Also there are certain personality traits such as neurotics, anti social personalities which has been found to have mood and substance abuse disorder. Peer pressure and lack of social support can also cause mood and substance abuse disorder. As many youth fall in trap of substance abuse due to peer pressure, experimenting newthings in high school or college.

Conclusion- Research shows that people who struggle with mental illness are twice as likely as general population to struggle with substance abuse. When mood disorders with substance disorders are diagnosed it is called comorbidity. Treating patient's co-occuring mood disorders may reduce their substance craving and taking and enhance their overall outcome.