Mood Disorders and Sleep Frank Gillespie LPCMH, NCC, CADC Director, Alpha Behavioral Health

We see some of the same clients

Claustrophobia and the CPAP machine

Depression Characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a persons ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities (NMH)

Generalized Anxiety A chronic disorder characterized by excessive long lasting anxiety and worry about nonspecific life events, objects and situations. Anxiety is considered a problem when symptoms interfere with a persons ability to sleep or otherwise function (MNT)

Panic Disorder A serious condition that strikes without reason or warning. Symptoms include sudden attacks of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart (WebMd). Lack of sleep only serves to exacerbate this condition

PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a type of anxiety condition. It can occur when you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death. 3 symptoms: flashbacks, repeated memories, repeated nightmares, and reactions to situations that remind one of the event (National Library of Medicine)

Bipolar Disorder Characterized by episodes of an elevated or agitated mood known as mania that often alternates with episodes of depression. It can impair the individual’s ability to function in ordinary life (Wikipedia) For example, they can experience racing thoughts that caused them to be unable to get to sleep and stay asleep and in some cases they can stay up all night and not be tired

Claustrophobia An anxiety condition that refers to a fear of enclosed spaces or confinement to things like rooms, cars, airplanes etc (rightdiagnosis.com) For the sake of our study we will also include fear of the CPAP machine.

Serotonin The Serotoninergic System is known to modulate mood, emotion, sleep and appetite and thus is implicated in the control of numerous behavioral and physiological functions (biopsychiatry.com)

Serotonin influences mood and mood influences Serotonin

Even though our clients may have sleep issues due to mental health issues it does not mean they do not have Sleep Apnea

Medication Management Evaluates, monitors medication if prescribed and coordinates with talk therapy.

Medication Management SSRI’s – Antidepressants e.g. Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Trazadone etc. Mood Stabilizers e.g. Abilify, Seroquel, Lamictal etc. Anti-Anxiety Medications e.g. Xanax, Klonopin Sedative Hypnotics e.g. Ambien, Lunesta

Talk Therapy Evaluates, determines level and quality of care, sets treatment plans, and follows a course of treatment till discharge.

Natural Ways to Induce Serotonin – Exercise – Hot Bath – Tryptophene – Melatonin

Natural Ways To Improve Serotonin Over Time – Yoga – Meditation – Guided Imagery – Sunlight

Medical (non drug) Ways To Induce And Improve Serotonin Over Time – Massage (induce) – Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – Biofeedback – Alpha Stimulator

Ways To Help Patients With Claustrophobia Due To The CPAP – Evaluation Process – Talk Therapy – focused on desensitization – Possible medication management – Possible use of EMDR – Possible use of the alpha Stimulator