Common Symptoms of Depression and Addiction Issues
There are many individuals who develop substance use disorders (SUDs) who are also diagnosed with concurrent mental health conditions (and vice versa).[2] Several studies have demonstrated that depression in particular shares many mechanisms with substance use, including anatomical pathways in the brain[3]. Furthermore, many individuals who suffer from depression may look to substances such as alcohol in an effort to feel better, and many who suffer from issues with addiction will often struggle with depression as a direct result of the difficulties arising from substance use.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5),[4] an individual can be diagnosed with a major depressive episode if they meet at least five of the following criteria within a two week period (that isn’t better explained by the recent loss of a loved one or another mental health condition):
- A depressed mood demonstrated most of the day, every day
- A loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Notable weight changes not due to dieting or weight gain
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Slowed or reduced movement
- Feeling excessively fatigued
- Struggling with feeling worthless or inappropriately guilty
- Ongoing thoughts of death or recurrent suicidal ideation
Individuals can also be diagnosed with several other depressive-based mood disorders, including persistent depressive disorder.[5]
Addiction issues can generally be diagnosed by a clinician when an individual meets at least two of the following eleven criteria over the past twelve months, per DSM guidelines:[6]
- Taking a substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to
- Wanting to cut down or stop using a substance but not managing to
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of a substance
- Cravings and urges to use a substance
- Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use
- Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use
- Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger
- Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance
- Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance)
- Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance
On the whole, both mental health conditions or addiction issues can cause several and varied challenges to your everyday life—and the combination of the two can often require individualized treatment strategies to begin the journey of recovery.
