Understanding How a Psychiatrist Can Help You

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It is the role of a psychiatrist to assist people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. If you have been referred to a psychiatrist by your GP or local community mental health team, you may have some questions about the role a psychiatrist can play in your recovery. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Role

It is the role of a psychiatrist to diagnose and treat acute mental illness such as clinical depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The treatment normally begins with an assessment. Following the assessment, the doctor will consider which treatment options are suitable.

Assessments

A psych assessment is used to assess the type of mental illness which may be affecting you and to judge its impact on your life. During the assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you a number of questions about your current mood and how you are feeling generally. They will also ask about aspects of your life such as your family relationships, your job, your educations, your social network and your use of alcohol and drugs. While some of the questions may feel intrusive, it is best to be open and honest with the psychiatrist, as this will help them to diagnose conditions which may be having an impact on your life. The doctor may also ask you to perform some tests such as counting backwards from 100, stating the current date or naming a well-known person. These tests are designed to judge how well orientated you are in space and time.

Diagnosis

Once the assessment is complete, the psychiatrist will produce a report which outlines their findings and provides details of the mental illness they believe are affecting you. This report will be sent to you, and a copy will also be forwarded to your GP. Once a diagnosis has been made, your psychiatrist can then discuss treatments.

Treatments

Typically, you will be offered a number of treatment options. These may include talking therapy, which will allow you to process trauma and explore difficult emotions; medications, such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotics, which can help to stabilise your mood; and lifestyle changes, such as reducing the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, improving your diet or getting more exercise.

If you're interested in finding out more, you should contact your local health provider who will be able to provide you with the contact details of your local mental health team.

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