Some people may feel trepidation at the thought of visiting a psychiatrist, but such a visit can be just as vital for a person’s mental health as a physician is for physical health. There are many different possible scenarios for why a person should consider scheduling an appointment with a psychiatric professional.
Mental health issues can manifest in a variety of ways. People may want to consider visiting a psychiatrist if they are:
Certain types of psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, need to be addressed and treated as soon as possible. Schizophrenia can cause psychosis and lead a person to experience delusions and hallucinations. Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person goes back and forth between depression and manic behavior when suffering from a mental health crisis. If left untreated, these conditions can result in a loss of quality of life and issues such as a person turning to substance abuse to manage the symptoms. A psychiatrist can help a patient receive the proper medications and therapies to keep the illnesses well managed.
If people find themselves stepping away from the activities or things usually enjoyed and are unable to find happiness and pleasure in them anymore, it can signal a problem. Therapy can help discover the root cause behind this feeling as well as work to treat the problem head-on. Depression is often the most common issue that causes a person to become withdrawn.
When life is stressful and problems seem to be adding up, it can be a struggle to figure out how to face everything. Therapy is needed when someone feels unable to deal with their problems or instead turns to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope. A psychiatrist can teach better coping mechanisms to demonstrate how to handle problems in a healthy way.
One of the hardest issues when dealing with mental health problems is the feeling that one is alone. A strong support system is crucial and necessary, and feeling alone can exacerbate any struggles being dealt with. Therapy can help give needed support to those struggling, as well as offer comfort by acknowledging and validating feelings.
A psychiatrist can diagnose and treat a variety of mental health disorders as well as prescribe medications and provide many therapy options. Therapists work to address and treat conditions such as anxiety and depression. Psychiatrists are also able to help with addictive behaviors, anxiety, suicidal ideations, violent outbursts, insomnia, sleep issues, drug use, alcohol use, poor body image, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and obsessive thoughts.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that has completed medical school and residency; they have also chosen to focus and specialize in psychiatry, completing additional classes and training. Subsequently, they are able to prescribe medication and do so responsibly. They are also able to perform various forms of psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy) as well. A psychiatrist may recommend medication to a patient who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition that has not improved with lifestyle, diet, and therapy alone.
The first visit with a psychiatrist most often involves a psychiatric evaluation, unless the patient has already visited a licensed psychiatrist and has received a diagnosis. The psychiatric evaluation usually includes a series of questions to learn more about the patient’s mental health, a review of medical history, medications, and family history, and lab work such as various blood tests.
Medication is often prescribed in conjunction with therapy from a licensed mental health provider (a psychiatrist or otherwise). However, medication is not always required, preferred by the patient, or recommended. In these cases, the patient may find improvement through lifestyle changes and therapy alone, along with group counseling and family therapy (if applicable). More treatments may be available depending on the condition.
Making an appointment with a psychiatrist is an important part of proper mental health care, especially if a person is experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem. Psychiatrists are trained to be able to diagnose and treat a variety of disorders and conditions, as well as handle issues such as trouble coping with stresses or life changes to help people be healthier and happier.
Request an appointment here: https://albany.evolvepsychiatry.com or call Evolve Psychiatry at (518) 675-3097 for an appointment in our Albany office.
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