Doctors Who Treat Mental Illness
Doctors who specialize in psychiatry treat various types of mental illnesses. These disorders can affect behavior, cognition, or perception. An initial psychiatric assessment typically starts with a mental status examination and case history. Other tests and procedures, such as neuroimaging, may be performed, as well. Most disorders are diagnosed according to the clinical concepts listed in a diagnostic manual, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Primary Care Doctors
Mental illnesses can cause significant physical and psychological consequences, and primary care physicians are well-positioned to treat many of these conditions. These physicians can also provide support for patients affected by the pandemic, which has put a strain on the mental health care system. A national survey of primary care patients in June 2020 found that 30% of patients experienced anxiety and depression, and 13% reported addiction related to the pandemic.
While many patients feel uncomfortable discussing these issues with their primary care physician, it is important to remember that doctors hear everything in their practices. Primary care physicians and family physicians specialize in treating the whole person, so it’s important to be open and honest with your physician. They may even prescribe medication to treat mental issues. Once the symptoms are managed, your primary care provider may refer you to a psychiatrist for further treatment.
Psychologists
Psychologists are medical professionals who specialize in treating mental illnesses. They may prescribe certain medications and work with non-medical therapists to find the right treatment for the patient. Their primary goal is to eliminate or control symptoms that can be troubling and disabling. They may work with patients individually, as a couple, or in groups.
Psychologists may be trained in several areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or educational psychology. The training they receive enables them to make the right diagnoses and treat a wide range of mental health issues. In addition, they may specialize in behavioral therapy interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Licensed psychologists should have at least a Ph.D. and must be certified by a state licensing board.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Their training includes clinical assessment, psychotherapy, and therapeutic communication techniques. They may deliver treatment on an outpatient or inpatient basis. They may also prescribe medicine. In addition, a psychiatrist may recommend certain lab tests and psychological evaluations.
Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose mental disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5). They ask patients about their symptoms to see if they match the criteria in the DSM-5. They may also offer different types of psychotherapy or refer patients to psychologists. Psychotherapy involves talking with patients and learning how their thoughts affect their behavior. The therapy may be used to treat phobias, addictions, and depression.
A psychiatrist may also prescribe medications to help a patient manage their symptoms. Certain prescription drugs work by balancing brain chemicals. A psychiatrist will monitor a patient’s health while he or she is taking these medications.
Psychoanalysts
Psychoanalysts treat mental illness by exploring the mind’s processes, especially those that are unconscious. Their treatment focuses on understanding the causes of a patient’s emotions and behaviors and is aimed at providing emotional freedom. Psychoanalysts usually see patients several times a week and are trained to encourage open communication.
In psychoanalysis, the doctor and patient engage in a process called transference, in which their experiences influence their present feelings. The patient is then exposed to their subconscious, which may help them gain an understanding of their problems and adopt new attitudes. This new outlook can lead to a major change in a patient’s life.
Psychoanalysis can help people with a range of character and relationship problems. The analysis may also be used to address personality disorders. A patient may be suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. Psychoanalysts also treat patients who are suicidal or have a history of suicidal behavior.
Holistic Doctors
Holistic Doctors are those who take a holistic approach to treating mental illness. This approach is based on the idea that a person’s mental health is an extension of their physical health. They may not only prescribe drugs, but they may also advocate for treatments that improve a person’s overall health.
Holistic practitioners may utilize alternative medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic care to help patients recover from their ailments. Additionally, they may evaluate the patient’s lifestyle and sleep patterns to determine if any lifestyle changes are necessary. While many people turn to medication for pain relief, holistic doctors believe in the innate healing power of all humans.
Holistic psychiatrists believe that the mind is an important part of the body and should be stimulated as much as possible. If it is not stimulated, a person can suffer from a variety of mental health problems. For example, learning a new language or taking up a hobby can help strengthen the mind. Reading can also help stimulate the mind. As part of the reading assignments, a person may be assigned books that teach them new vocabulary. If they don’t understand the words, they can look up the definition later.
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Anxiety is an enhanced state in which one is extremely sensitive to detecting potential threats. One type of anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is characterized by excessive worry and uncontrollable concern about everyday matters. This disorder can have a significant impact on one's life and make it difficult to live a normal life. This video will explain the main features of GAD as well as ways to deal with it.
This video was created by McMaster students Abeer Ail, Ali Hamade and Mina Hanna in collaboration with McMaster Demystifying Medicine Program.
Copyright McMaster University 2018.
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This video is intended for educational purposes only. For information about your health, please consult your doctor.
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