Psychological dependence

A behavioral pattern characterized by a craving for the mood-altering effects of a drug and an overwhelming preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug.

Other names

Psychological dependence, also known as mental dependence or emotional dependence, is a condition in which a person feels compelled or compelled to engage in a particular conduct or use a particular substance despite the negative effects. These symptoms include anxiety, depression, and fixation with the habit or substance.

Causes

Psychological dependence is a complicated phenomenon that is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social variables, according to the majority of theories. Some experts assert that psychological dependence is a sort of addiction, but others contend that it is a distinct concept.

Theories

An further influential theory of psychological dependence is the self-medication hypothesis, which proposes that persons with particular psychological problems, such as anxiety or depression, may turn to a behavior or substance as a symptomatic coping mechanism. This view posits that the individual is not necessarily addicted to the activity or substance, but rather employs it as a temporary coping method.

Detrimental effects

According to research, psychological reliance can have a variety of detrimental effects on both the individual and their loved ones. Psychologically dependent individuals may face a variety of mental health issues, such as sadness, worry, and stress, as well as daily functioning difficulties. They may also encounter a variety of physical health issues, including exhaustion, sleeplessness, and appetite changes.

Treatments

• Cognitive-behavioral theory is one of the most frequently recognized theories of psychological dependency, suggesting that psychological dependence arises as a result of an individual's trained responses to a behavior or drug. According to this idea, the individual develops a strong emotional attachment to the action or drug by associating it with positive reinforcement, such as pleasure or stress alleviation.
• Psychotherapy and medicine are often employed in the treatment of psychological dependence. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common style of psychotherapy that seeks to assist the individual modify the way they think about and react to the behavior or substance. Medications like as antidepressants and antianxiety drugs can also be used to treat psychological dependence symptoms.

Summary

Psychological dependence is a complicated phenomenon manifested by a spectrum of emotional and cognitive symptoms. The cognitive-behavioral theory and self-medication hypothesis are two theories of psychological dependence. Psychological reliance can have a variety of detrimental effects on both the sufferer and their loved ones. Psychotherapy and medication are frequently used to treat schizophrenia.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association.
2. Koob, G.F., & Le Moal, M. (1997). Drug abuse: hedonic homeostatic dysregulation. Science, 278(5335), 52-58.
3. Khantzian, E.J. (1985). The self-medication hypothesis of addictive disorders: focus on heroin and cocaine dependence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 142(11), 1259-1264.
4. Khantzian, E.J. (1997). The self-medication hypothesis revisited. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 70(3), 211-215.
5. Beck, A.T., Wright, F.D., Newman, C.F., & Liese, B.S. (1993). Cognitive therapy of substance abuse. Guilford Press.

See also

• Substance dependence
• Substance use disorder

Psychological dependence Resources
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