Understanding Mental Health Disorders and Various Treatment Options

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..

What is a mental health disorder?

A mental health disorder is any condition that affects a person's mental state. These disorders can change the mood, behavior, or thought processes of the person. The symptoms of each disorder vary depending on the person and the specific disorder. Even those with the same diagnosis may experience the condition differently. Only a licensed physician can diagnose and treat any mental illnesses that a patient may have.

Types of mental health disorders or conditions

Hundreds of mental health illnesses are diagnosed every day. These are just a few of the most common conditions, but there are many others.

Depression
Anxiety
Dementia
Schizophrenia
Bipolar
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Autism
Post-traumatic stress disorder
ADHD
Eating disorders

The cause of mental illnesses

While there is no one reason or specific cause for most of these illnesses, it is thought that these conditions result from various factors. These factors influence whether a person will have the condition or not. Genetics, environmental factors, stress, hormonal imbalance, situations or events, and lifestyle influences all play a role in the outcome of mental health illnesses. There may not be a straight answer for every person as to why they have the illness that they have. Seeking help for the condition is the first and best thing that can be done to correct the issue.

Diagnosing mental health disorders

It is crucial to see a doctor who specializes in mental health issues for diagnosis. A proper diagnosis is essential for effective therapy. A mental health professional will thoroughly assess the patient’s symptoms to determine the condition. The psychiatrist needs to know if the patient has specific triggers that worsen their mental health or has recurring or persistent mental health issues. The patient also needs to describe when they first experienced the symptoms.

Unfortunately, mental health disorders cannot be diagnosed using conventional medical tests. However, to rule out other disorders that might impact mental health, the psychiatrist may order tests such as blood work or imaging scans.

Treatment options

For those who have a mental illness, there are treatment options available. The goals are to control symptoms, feel more comfortable with the diagnosis, and understand why it is happening. With a physician who specializes in a specific mental disorder, a patient can get the help that they need to balance out their issues.

Every condition will have a different treatment plan and approach. The treatment options include the following:

Medication: Many mental disorders are amenable to treatment with antidepressants and psychotropics. These medications alter the brain's chemical makeup, reducing the severity of symptoms. It is crucial to take a prescription as recommended by the doctor. Patients should never discontinue treatment for a mental condition without first speaking with their doctor.
Psychotherapy: Discussing health issues with a trained mental health expert may help individuals cope with the difficulties and symptoms of a chronic condition. Psychotherapy may occur alone with a healthcare professional or in a group environment. CBT is a kind of talk therapy that focuses on changing a person's thought patterns and behavior. It is designed to help patients alter unhelpful ways of thinking and doing.
Alternative treatments: Psychiatric disorders like depression may respond well to alternative treatments. Herbal medicines, massage, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are just a few examples. Before using any herbal remedy or supplement, though, it is best to consult the doctor because they could negatively interact with other drugs.
Neurostimulation treatments: Medicine is not a panacea for mental health issues. Medications that stimulate the brain might be recommended in severe cases. These therapies alter the molecules and responses of nerves and other brain cells. A couple of these methods are transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy.

Mental health disorders are common and so is the need to seek help

Many treatment plans are available for those who have a mental health condition. They should know that they are not alone in this journey of seeking help. We are trained and knowledgeable about various conditions and can provide the best care possible to those who seek our help.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a mental health issue, we invite you to visit our office for help. This is the first step in reaching a better state of mind, regaining your peace, and finding joy in life. We assure you that taking this step is worth it. Even if treatment may be ongoing, it is possible to live a full and healthy life with the right medical care.

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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