Importance of Psychiatric Care

How would psychiatry treat my mental health condition differently from any other doctor? 

A psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NPs) are mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose, prevent, and prescribe treatments for mental health conditions and disorders. They may use questionnaires to holistically measure and treat your symptoms, or suggest drug and non-drug options. 

All psychiatric care and mental health support should be completely confidential between a patient and their care provider. 

Who can psychiatry treat? 

Psychiatry is a medical field for everyone of all ages and backgrounds. At Family Psychiatry, our trained providers treat patients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. There is no “right candidate” for psychiatric care, nor does anyone need to be “bad enough” to want mental health support. 

How much progress one makes with mental health treatment is dependent on the person, their providers, and adjustments needed for the treatment plan. There is no “time scale” for how long psychiatric care should take place. 

What can psychiatry treat? 

Psychiatry can treat symptoms of conditions and disorders, including: 

  • Mood Disorders

  • ADHD

  • PTSD

  • Eating Disorders

  • Substance Addiction

  • Dementia

  • Personality Disorders

  • Chronic Fatigue/Pain

  • Fibromyalgia 

  • Postpartum

  • OCD

What does treatment entail? 

Not all mental health care has to immediately or ever involve medications. However, if a psychiatrist were to prescribe you a medication to improve your symptoms, then they would be able to make the adjustments for your prescription. 

Psychiatry also includes non-drug treatments, such as Spravato (esketamine), which is a prescription nasal spray to treat irregular moods and suicidal thoughts. 

Is it a good time for me to see a psychiatrist? 

Mental health support is an ever-evolving medical field, and we are always learning new ways to manage mental health conditions and disorders. This means that the field of mental health care is always evolving, and new non-drug and drug treatments are being invented. 

All psychiatrists should continue to follow up with their patients to ensure they are comfortable with the current course of the treatment, and if their health goals are being met.

Lillian MortonComment