Psychiatric treatments' extensive medical testing, diagnosis and care are constantly improving. For those struggling with their mental health, general practitioners (GPs) cannot provide all the assessment and treatment necessary for someone to overcome mental, emotional and/or physical disorders.
The branch of psychiatry is similar to that of psychology in that they both help treat patients with mental or emotional issues. One of the most well-known treatments that both offers is psychotherapy, or “talk therapy.” What distinguishes a psychiatrist from a psychologist is certification: A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor.
Outlined below are five benefits gained from seeking psychiatric treatment:
After years of undergraduate and graduate studies, a psychiatrist completes four further years of residency training. Many go on to receive specializations in certain branches of psychiatry, such as child and adolescent, geriatric, forensic, perinatal and addiction. This means that a psychiatrist has received an extensive education, has experience in professional settings and has helped treat a variety of patients with differing cases.
One of the major benefits of psychiatric treatment is the complete physical, mental and emotional assessment. They not only use talk therapy to build a relationship with a patient in order to help them begin healthy habits or change patterns of thinking or living, but they also prescribe any medication that is required to treat the chemical imbalances in the brain that are causing certain mental or behavioral disorders.
While GPs and psychologists can help those experiencing issues such as depression or behavioral disorders, a psychiatrist can help treat those experiencing more severe mental and physical conditions. These include but are not limited to extreme depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and addiction.
Due to a psychiatrist’s ability to prescribe medication and perform other medical tests, there are a variety of treatments available. Some may simply require psychotherapy, while other cases might benefit from medication, psychosocial intervention or brain stimulation therapy such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
After an initial assessment, diagnosis and a possible prescription of medication, the patient is often required to have multiple sessions with a psychologist to continue with psychotherapy. They also can send patients to hospitals for immediate and more intense treatment. Furthermore, if they do not specialize in a certain field of psychiatry, they can help find a psychiatric specialist who does.
Mental, emotional and behavioral issues are not conditions to take lightly. A GP can provide referrals and help point those affected in the right direction. By taking action and seeking a psychiatrist, a diagnosis and treatment plan with a great range of options can be put into place. If you believe an appointment with a psychiatrist is the next step in your recovery, do not wait; schedule a consultation with a doctor near you today.
Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
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