Summary: <p>Understanding the Impact of Adrenal Fatigue in the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Process<br> Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC<br> Executive Director, AllCEUs</p> <p>CEs for this course can be earned at: <a href="https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/516/c/">https://www.allceus.com/member/cart/index/product/id/516/c/</a></p> <p>Objectives<br> – Define adrenal fatigue<br> – Identify symptoms of adrenal fatigue<br> – Learn about the function of the HPA-Axis and cortisol<br> – Explore how excessive stress may cause adrenal fatigue<br> – Identify interventions for adrenal fatigue</p> <p>Why I Care/How It Impacts Recovery<br> – Adrenal fatigue can cause many symptoms that are commonly classified as depression and/or anxiety.<br> – Standard antidepressant treatment will likely be unsuccessful in addressing these symptoms in this situation<br> – Many people suffering from adrenal fatigue self medicate with stimulants and may eventually seek relief through escape provided from addiction<br> The Effect of Prolonged Stress<br> – Normal<br> – Stressor/threat –> fight or flight response which stimulates/excites the person – person eliminates the stressor/threat – recovery period<br> – Example: Final Exams, Big Project at Work<br> The Effect of Prolonged Stress<br> – Abnormal<br> – Stressor/threat –> fight or flight response which stimulates/excites the person – person cannot totally eliminate the stressor/threat or another stressor threat comes along – continued stimulation – adjustment to high stress “turn down the response” to prevent harm to the person -lack of normal excitement at mild to moderate stimulus (Apathy, Depression)<br> – Examples: Law Enforcement, Type-A, Negative Self-Talk, Excess Stimulant Intake<br> Adrenal Fatigue and the HPA<br> – The HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) Axis controls the stress response.<br> – The Hypothalamus is the brain center that determines if there is a threat<br> – The pituitary is the relay switch that turns on or off the adrenal glands<br> – The adrenal glands are responsible for secreting cortisol/adrenaline that excites and prepares the organism for fight or flight<br> – Dysfunction anywhere in the system can cause the person to either be too stimulated/stressed/anxious or not stimulated enough/depressed<br> Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue<br> – Restless sleep<br> – When under significant stress, adrenaline and cortisol levels are high which interrupts the natural 24-hour cycle of cortisol levels, leading to a state of permanent alertness that prevents restful sleep<br> – Waking up in a panic attack or anxious state<br> – Difficulty maintaining blood sugar<br> – In late stage adrenal fatigue cortisol levels are too low (the thermostat turned down). Cortisol is responsible in part for maintaining blood sugar</p> <p>Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue<br> – Excessive fatigue, apathy, depression<br> – In the later stages of Adrenal Fatigue, your adrenals become unable to produce enough of the hormones that you need.<br> – This means that your levels of cortisol, along with neurotransmitters like adrenaline and norepinephrine, are lower than they should be.<br> – Emotionality- Barely holding it together. Any stressor becomes a crisis.</p> <p>Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue<br> – Apathy about or inability to handle even minor stressors due to the low hormone levels associated with late-stage Adrenal Fatigue.<br> – The adrenals are no longer able to keep up with the continued demand for cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine production needed to address the stress.<br> – These hormones regulate the stress response and allow us to increase our strength, focus and awareness wh</p>
