We all want a fulfilling and productive life. In order to manage the symptoms and improve functioning in cases of mental health disorders, one must seek the help of a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can design an individualized treatment plan from a variety of treatment options based on the patient’s unique situation. A targeted treatment approach provides the most effective path to recovery.
Psychiatrists provide additional treatment services than licensed psychotherapists do since they are medical doctors. Psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications for treatment. These doctors can also provide psychotherapy or may refer the patient to a psychotherapist for that aspect of treatment. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is available in both individual and group formats.
The goal of the doctor-patient relationship is to resolve the more challenging and life-limiting aspects of the mental health condition and manage the remaining symptoms in an ongoing manner. Treatment can include ongoing weekly therapy, adherence to medication schedules, and adjunctive therapies such as TMS therapy for depression or anxiety, or EMDR for trauma. Combined, these treatments provide a renewed sense of well-being to the patient.
Psychiatrists are able to treat a diverse array of mental health conditions, from mild mood disorders to complex mental illness. Some of these mental health disorders include:
Once the psychiatrist has arrived at a diagnosis, he or she will design an individualized, integrated treatment plan for the patient. Generally, mental health disorders follow a standard treatment protocol of combining medications and psychotherapy, and may also include additional complimentary therapies.
Psychotherapy. With a range therapies available, the psychiatrist will select the modality or modalities best suited for the diagnosis and any other unique patient features. In psychotherapy, the doctor engages the patient in a discussion of the problem areas in order to provide guidance toward resolving the underlying issues and making positive life changes. Psychotherapy can be provided in both individual sessions and in small group sessions with other patients sharing the same mental health disorder.
Medications. There is a broad range of drugs designed to mitigate the symptoms of various mental health disorders. The psychiatrist will select a medication, or a combination of drugs, that best suit the diagnosis. These drugs primarily include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, anti-psychotic medication, and mood stabilizers.
Adjunctive therapy. Adding on a complementary therapy creates an added dimension to treatment and can greatly enhance treatment results. These might include eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), neurofeedback, biofeedback, or holistic therapies such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or equine therapy.
A psychiatrist is dedicated to helping patients through managing symptoms of the disorder, helping patients examine their emotional issues or past traumas, and guiding them toward making positive changes in their life.
