Medical Center Occupational Health Basics-Mental Health and Substance Misuse Handouts

Mental Health and Substance Misuse Handouts

Pdf Summary

This document titled "Mental Health and Substance Misuse: Considerations for HCP" provides information on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding mental health and substance use disorders. The document highlights the prevalence of these issues among HCPs, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, and addiction. It emphasizes the need for identifying good resources and barriers to seeking help.<br /><br />The document differentiates between impairment and illness in the context of occupational medicine. It explains that untreated addiction can progress to impairment over time and that substance use disorders are common among physicians. It provides definitions of addiction and substance use disorder according to recognized medical organizations.<br /><br />The document presents statistics on the prevalence of alcohol and opioid use disorders among healthcare professionals. It identifies risk factors such as comorbid psychiatric illness, family history of substance abuse, stress, and easy access to prescription drugs.<br /><br />The document discusses the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of substance misuse disorders, including changes in sleeping and eating patterns, poor physical condition, dilated pupils, and personality changes. It also presents positive prognostic indicators for physicians seeking treatment.<br /><br />The document addresses mental health conditions in HCPs, such as depression, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation and treatment, and it provides information on internal and external resources available to HCPs, including onsite psychologists, employee assistance programs, health advocate programs, and external organizations like physician health programs and national helplines.<br /><br />The document acknowledges the culture of healthcare professionals, which prioritizes patient care over self-care. It emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma, promoting self-care and wellness, and improving access to mental health resources.<br /><br />In conclusion, the document provides valuable information on mental health and substance misuse among healthcare professionals, including statistics, signs and symptoms, resources, and suggestions for improving awareness and access to care.

Keywords

Mental Health

Substance Misuse

Healthcare Professionals

Challenges

Addiction

Prevalence

Occupational Medicine

Risk Factors

Signs and Symptoms

Access to Care