At Sacramento Mental Health, our clinicians are highly skilled in identifying complex cases where physical ailments may present symptoms similar to mental health disorders. This challenging scenario often involves discerning whether a patient’s psychiatric symptoms are primary (inherent to a mental health condition) or secondary (the result of an underlying physical illness). Conditions that mimic psychiatric disorders, often referred to as “medical mimics” or “secondary psychosis,” require careful evaluation.
Our approach includes an in-depth assessment to recognize any atypical symptoms that may not align with conventional mental health diagnoses. Key indicators might include a sudden onset of symptoms, unusual age for the emergence of the disorder, or previously normal psychological functioning. Additionally, our team considers critical factors such as any recent changes in medication, new substance use, a lack of family history of mental disorders, or any peculiar responses to standard treatments.
Understanding the full spectrum of an individual’s health, both mental and physical, allows our professionals at Sacramento Mental Health to tailor a more effective treatment plan, ensuring that both primary and secondary causes of symptoms are addressed.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are defined by a harmful pattern of using a substance that leads to significant issues or distress, such as continuing to use despite problems related to the substance use. Disorders that arise as a direct consequence of substance use or withdrawal and mimic other mental health conditions are called substance-induced disorders. Examples include substance-induced depression, psychosis, anxiety, or neurocognitive disorders.
For a mental health disorder to be classified as substance-induced, the substance involved must be known to cause such conditions. These substances typically fall into one of ten drug classes recognized for leading to substance use disorders, although other substances can also induce similar effects. Substance-induced disorders usually:
Individuals with a factitious disorder intentionally produce or feign medical or mental health symptoms to obtain some form of benefit. This condition, also known as Munchausen’s syndrome, involves self-induced or exaggerated symptoms. People with this disorder often have motivations such as seeking attention, managing stress, or confounding medical professionals.
The deceptive nature of factitious disorders presents a considerable diagnostic challenge for healthcare providers. It is not uncommon for these patients to also suffer from co-occurring mental health conditions like depression. Addressing these accompanying symptoms is crucial, as treating them can also indirectly mitigate the behaviors associated with the factitious disorder.
Somatization occurs when psychological factors like stress manifest as physical symptoms. Somatoform disorders represent a more severe instance of somatization, where individuals experience physical discomfort that is persistent and distressing. People with somatoform disorders typically believe that their symptoms are caused by medical issues, not mental ones.
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is marked by an excessive and disproportionate concern about physical symptoms. Those affected may experience intense thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their symptoms to the extent that they feel incapacitated in performing daily activities. They might perceive minor health problems as severe emergencies. This level of anxiety often remains even after receiving normal test results and reassurances from medical professionals.
Gender dysphoria, previously known as gender identity disorder, is the psychological discomfort experienced by individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender identity reflects a person’s internal understanding and experience of their own gender, independent of their physical anatomy. This condition is not about enforcing gender norms but about providing mental health support to those struggling with their self-identity.
Individuals facing gender dysphoria often find it challenging to express their gender within the rigid, traditional binary of male and female roles. This mismatch can lead to experiences of rejection, discrimination, and abuse, potentially causing difficulties in relationships with family and friends, interpersonal conflicts, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, poor self-esteem, and an elevated risk of self-harm and suicidality. It is crucial for those affected to receive comprehensive mental health care and, where appropriate, gender-affirming medical interventions. Treatment options, tailored to individual needs, may include hormone therapies and surgical procedures.
Impulse-control disorders (ICDs) are characterized by overwhelming and often hazardous impulses that lead to actions harmful to oneself or others, resulting in significant disruptions in social, professional, and daily functioning, alongside potential legal and financial issues. Despite their prevalence, ICDs are not widely understood by the general public, healthcare providers, or even those who suffer from them. SoCal Mental Health offers contemporary and effective treatments for managing ICDs.
Adjustment disorder is a condition characterized by a variety of symptoms that can surface following a stressful or traumatic event. These symptoms might include emotional distress such as sadness or feelings of hopelessness, as well as physical symptoms. They often emerge because an individual struggles to cope with a challenging situation, and the intensity of the response might be disproportionate to the event itself.
Common stressors that can trigger adjustment disorder in individuals of any age include:
If you or a family member are seeking a path to a healthier future, learning about various treatment options can be a crucial step. Gaining self-confidence and independence through life skills is part of navigating the road to recovery. To find out more about connecting with services that can offer support, consider reaching out to professionals in the field today.
