Beck Depression Inventory-II BDI-2

This instrument was developed by Aaron T. Beck who is a pioneer cognitive therapist. This instrument is commonly called the BDI and was developed in 1961. It was adapted in 1969 and a copyright was obtained in 1979. In developing the instrument Beck used a series of questions which enabled him to adequately measure the strength severity and complexity of depression. There are two versions of BDI, a long version which has 21 questions mostly used to measure specific symptom common with all patient suffering from depression. The shorter version which is composed of seven questions is meant to be used in a primary healthcare setting, with main purpose to evaluate, and monitor changes in of depression.

In the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (APA, 2000) the symptoms of depression are: loss of interest or enjoyment in activities; changing in weight and appetite; changes to sleep pattern; loss of energy; feeling worthless or guilty; suicidal thoughts; poor concentration and being either agitated or slowed up.

Co-occurring disorders come with multiple symptoms that influence the individual’s ability to stop using substances. Individuals may turn to illegal substances to receive relief from their mental health symptoms and will depend on these to bring normalcy to their life. For example, a depressed person may smoke marijuana to numb pain or a person experiencing social anxiety may drink to feel comfortable in social

The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (2002) states that substance abuse can occur in many clients who also have anxiety/stress disorders. The user believes that using alcohol or drugs will help lessen the feelings they have and somehow enable them to “cope” (The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, 2002). Unfortunately, most users like James are unable to realize the substances are not helping their problems. Most people with alcohol and other drug use disorders who also suffer from other mental health disorders require an integrated care plan for the best chance at recovery (Sterling, Chi, & Hinman, 2011).

Individuals with a mental illness often turn to drugs or alcohol to reduce their symptoms, as opposed to or in addition to seeking treatment for their illness. This problem is much worse than previously imagined, with experts estimating 65 percent of prison inmates suffering from a dual diagnosis. The prevalence in the general population is likely very high also, thus anyone with a mental illness or substance abuse problem may find they need specialized care.

A statistical piece of information that was interesting is that how the number of mental disorders increases as the number of substance abuse disorders increases as well. Services, U.D. (2005) states the likelihood of mental disorders rises alongside with substance abuse dependencies. With the rise of both abuses at the same time, it complicates treatment for the mental disorder patients that have drug use however, multiple drugs is normal for those who are substance abusers (Services, U.D., 2005). The reason this information is found to be interesting is because with the two disorders rising at the same level, it appears that the challenges will be harder and more co-occurring disorder patients are going to need help with their issues. As a counselor, one must be dually competent to treat these clients or have staff available to treat the clients who have co-occurring disorders to ensure an effective outcome.

There is also research, which reveals that around 75% of those in programs for substance use disorder, also require treatment for co-occurring mental health disorder. Furthermore, individuals reporting mental health problems report a higher alcohol consumption rate at higher risk levels. Not only does this show a high rate of mental health and substance use co-inhabiting in massive numbers of patients, but also indicates that there is a need for not just treating substance use disorder but also treating mental health disorders as well. The co-occurrence of mental health and substance use is known commonly as Dual Diagnosis. It is estimated that dual diagnosis effects between 30% and 90% of those in substance use treatment (Crome, etc.

What is substance abuse? According to Dictionary.com, substance abuse is a long-term, pathological use of alcohol or drugs, characterized by daily intoxication, inability to reduce consumption, and impairment in social or occupational functioning. So, what is a Substance Abuse Counselor? This is an individual who provides therapy sessions for a substance abuser who wants to overcome an addiction. Alcohol is not the only substance to which someone could become addicted; other negative elements include tobacco, over-the-counter drugs, prescribed drugs, illegal narcotics or sex.

The BDI-II is a 21-item self-report instrument measuring the severity of depression (e.g. looking at symptoms of depression) in adults and adolescents (Beck, et al., 1996).

The purpose of the BDI-II is to use to measure the severity of depression in adolescents and adults 13 years of age or older. It was established to address the DSM-IV criteria for depression (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). It is not a diagnostic instrument and the manual cautions the user against using for that purpose (Beck et al., 1961).

Substance abuse and mental illness are connected in a few ways. Regularly, a man experiences dysfunctional behaviors, for example, sadness and post- traumatic anxiety issue (PTSD) utilizing alcohol or drugs to self-sedate. At times utilizing the drug itself prompts psychological instability, as may happen with the delayed utilization of stimulating drugs. At last, dependence on drugs and alcohol themselves are viewed as dysfunctional behaviors in their own right. The connection between substance abuse and mental illness is frequent to the point that individuals who are getting treatment for drug dependence are normally accepted to have basic emotional well-being issues. The casualties of nervousness issue frequently turn to depressants, for example, alcohol and prescription narcotics to diminish stress and help in relaxation. So also, individuals who have chronic depression once in a while depend intensely on stimulants and drugs that adjust state of mind to dormancy self-cure and defend you from unhappiness. The combination of substance abuse and mental illness often makes it impossible for the victim to function normally in daily life. The effects of substance abuse often include difficulty maintaining personal

Past research has shown that there is a correlation between substance abuse and mental illness. Some clinicians believe that the addiction should be treated first. Other school of thought believes that the mental illness should be addressed and treated first. The debate continues to go on as to whether the addiction or mental illness should be treated first. More clinicians are learning that if able, they should treat both at the same time. The goal should be to treat the addiction and mental illness at the same time to get the client stable and healthy. Both are important and should be treated as co-occurring. It seems unrealistic to think that one is not dependent on the other. Since co-occurring diagnosis happen more frequently in people who abuse substances or have an addiction, naturally substance abuse would have a negative effect on their family. Families get ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬caught in the middle of their loved one’s addiction or drug use and becomes not only about the person using but impacts everyone around them. It is important to focus on the individual and the family. Family support is vital in increasing the chance of being

Substance abuse complicates almost every aspect of care for the person with a mental disorder. When drugs enter the brain, they can interrupt the work and actually change how the brain performs its jobs; these changes are what lead to compulsive drug use. Drug abuse plays a major role when concerning mental health. It is very difficult for these individuals to engage in treatment. Diagnosis for a treatment is difficult because it takes time to disengage the interacting effects of substance abuse and the mental illness. It may also be difficult for substance abusers to be accommodated at home and it may not be tolerated in the community of residents of rehabilitation programs. The author states, that they end up losing their support systems

Mental illness is another major reason why individuals start using drugs and eventually become dependent. Chronic drug abuse may occur in concurrence with any mental illness identified in the American Psychiatric Association (DSMIV). Some common serious mental disorders associated with chronic substance abuse include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and generalized anxiety disorder (National Drug Intelligence Center). Some people may use drugs on a regular basis as ways to self- medicate themselves if they are dealing with any

The Beck Depression Inventory is a self-administered test, administered in a group setting or individually, that measures the severity of depression symptoms and attitudes of depression (pg 1 of manual). The revised Beck Depression Inventory was specifically designed to assess the severity of depression in clinically diagnosed patients. However, the revised Beck Depression Inventory was not specifically developed to be used as a screening instrument in normal populations or to reflect any specific theory of depression. Although the BDI is oftentimes used for screening in normal populations, it should be used with caution because high BDI scores do not necessarily indicated depression. This provides an indication of the level of intensity a patient’s depression is for the past week including the day of administration for clinicians.