A “comorbid psychiatric disorder” refers to an individual suffering from one or more psychiatric disorders apart from substance or behavioral addiction. Examples of comorbid psychiatric disorders are depression, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, adjustment disorder or personality disorder.
Previous research indicates there is a close relationship between addiction and psychiatric disorders. Addiction can have a wide range of adverse effects on individuals, families, and society. The negative consequences including family conflict, financial and debt problems, physical and mental health problems, criminal behavior, as well as suicidal ideation or attempts, cause severe emotional distress to individuals. This further increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders may adopt addictive behavior as a way of escaping from or coping with the emotional distress or psychiatric symptoms.
Generally, depression is a common comorbid psychiatric disorder. An individual who suffers from depression is likely to present the following symptoms:
