Psychiatry is the field of medicine that focuses on behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders in patients. Psychiatrists are doctors who work to diagnose, manage and treat patients suffering from disorders affecting their behavior, emotions, and thoughts.
The diagnosis process within psychiatry is important to understand, both for patients and for the patient's families and friends. In this article, discover each step of the psychiatric diagnosis process.
Ultimately, each patient is different, meaning their psychiatric care may vary. However, for the most part, psychiatrists are required to follow a strict protocol that involves performing a physical exam and a psychological evaluation and developing an advised treatment plan.
It helps to know how the diagnostic process works during a psychiatric evaluation to help calm any anxieties that you may experience before the visit and properly prepare. Notably, the diagnostic process typically includes a physical exam, psychological evaluation, proposed treatment plan, and finally the follow-through with the proposed treatment. Keep reading to find out more about how the diagnosis process works when undergoing psychiatric care.
A physical exam can be conducted by a primary care physician, as long as the psychiatry professional is involved. Physical examinations are typically necessary to start the diagnosis process. A lot of mental health disorders have physical signs such as malnutrition, weight loss or gain, headaches, muscle pain, and even skin problems.
Once a physical exam has been conducted, the patient will undergo a psychological evaluation, which is arguably the most intense part of the psychiatric diagnosis process. In order for patients to undergo psychiatric treatment, it is necessary for them to have a thorough evaluation. This evaluation allows the psychiatrist to determine what the problems are as well as where the patient needs the most help.
Once an evaluation takes place, a psychiatry treatment plan can be proposed. The treatment plan will be drawn up by the psychiatrist based on the evaluation. Factors that will be considered include mental health history, the patient's occupation, family history, medications, safety, and many other things. Ultimately, it is up to the psychiatrist to determine what type of treatment is necessary.
Even then, the treatment plan may change. A lot of psychiatry treatment plans combine multiple practices such as counseling and medications or support groups and psychotherapy. Each patient is different, so each type of treatment plan will be different and may change down the line.
After the treatment plan is proposed, the patient will accept or decline. A lot of patients suffering from a mental illness accept the plan because they are not sure what they need in order to help themselves, which is why they have turned to psychiatry. Execution of the plan may take weeks, months, or even years, and a lot of treatment plans are ongoing. The psychiatry treatment process is often viewed as managing a condition or mental illness instead of completely fixing it.
A psychiatric evaluation may be recommended for a variety of purposes. By understanding the symptoms and seeking a prompt evaluation, you can start treatment earlier if there is a diagnosis of a mental health concern and give yourself the best possible chance at a quick and full recovery. Notable signs that a psychiatric evaluation may be necessary include:
Anytime you or a loved one begins to think, feel, or behave abnormally and in a manner that is not entirely healthy, a psychiatric evaluation is recommended. Keep in mind, an evaluation is non-invasive and designed to help you get to the bottom of what is affecting you negatively.
There are no special instructions that you must follow before your psychiatric evaluation. It may help to make a list of questions you would like to ask during your evaluation; otherwise, you may forget important talking points you would like to cover.
If you have questions or concerns about the psychiatry diagnosis process, then reach out to our office so that we can help you. Our team can evaluate you to determine what type of psychiatric care may be best for your situation. Give us a call or stop by today. We are here to help.
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