Depression affects approximately 19.4 million adults in the United States alone (according to the National Institute of Mental Health). This equates to nearly 8 percent of the U.S. adult population. Unfortunately, many cases of depression are left untreated. Therefore, a psychiatric assessment from a licensed psychiatrist is an integral first step to a depression diagnosis and treatment plan.
A psychiatric assessment for depression is simply an evaluation of your mental health. The psychiatrist may not look specifically for symptoms of depression. Instead, they can merely assess your overall mental health and the symptoms you experience. Based on the personal interview, symptoms, lab tests, and physical examination involved in most psychiatric assessments, the psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis (if any). They may want to further rule out other possible causes of your symptoms before providing a depression diagnosis.
If the patient is diagnosed with depression, the next step is implementing an effective treatment plan (see below). The psychiatrist can also answer any questions the patient may have to help them feel more comfortable with their diagnosis and the next available steps.
There is an all too common misconception that patients take antidepressants to treat depression. Antidepressants such as SSRIs can certainly play an integral role in depression treatment, but there is much more to a treatment plan. Talk therapy (psychotherapy), in particular, is usually incredibly important as well.
The most common type of talk therapy for depression is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT, which typically involves multiple sessions (at least one per week in most cases). During each session, the patient discusses various topics with a licensed psychiatrist. Treatment also involves lifestyle changes, dietary changes, addressing relationships with others that may be a potential trigger of depression, and much more.
A psychiatric assessment is a good idea anytime you (or your child) experience symptoms of a mental health disorder. The symptoms of depression, in particular, include but are far from limited to:
Of course, other mental health concerns mimic many symptoms of depression, such as bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychiatrist rules out all other possible mental health disorders to provide an accurate diagnosis during a psychiatric assessment. Sometimes, patients may receive a diagnosis of depression and other mental health disorders.
Check out what others are saying about our mental wellness services on Yelp: Psychiatrist in New York, NY
A psychiatric assessment and mental health evaluation are great first steps to treating depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, then we encourage you to call our psychiatry office and schedule a time for a visit. During your first visit, we can conduct an assessment and start the diagnostic process.
Request an appointment or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at 917-391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
Learn more about mental health disorders so you can understand how they work, what they are, and how they are treated. According to the World Health Organization, around one in four people, or 450 million people worldwide, currently have a mental health disorder. These numbers continue to climb higher, making treatment all the more important. A…
In a fast-paced and busy world, it is essential to prioritize your mental health. However, it can be difficult to recognize the need for psychiatry-based treatment. Many people overlook or downplay their mental health concerns, as mental health issues are stigmatized, and they may fear that they will face ignorance if they ask for help.…
Every year, more than 17 million individuals in the United States deal with depression. Depression, characterized by disruptions in a person's emotions, behavior, and thoughts, deprives a person of their ability to experience pleasure in life. Patients often experience a state of near-total numbness or persistent grief. The psychiatrist will typically recommend the proper treatment…
While there is no cure for many long-term behavioral disorders, they may be successfully controlled with the right combination of therapy and other treatments. Behavioral issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction disorders are prevalent nowadays.While there has been a lot of study into what causes behavioral disorders, including diverse fields…
Depression treatment can vary from patient to patient. However, all psychiatrists approach each patient with some basic techniques. These strategies can guide you through your depression treatment. Here are the details on how each mental health provider can guide you through your condition.The psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants. These drugs can help correct the uneven chemistry…