Psychiatric Evaluations Altamonte Springs, FL

Reasons to Seek a Psychiatric Evaluation

An estimated 1 in 5 of U.S. adults develop a mental illness at some point each year. These illnesses include mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many other ailments. In many cases, these ailments are due an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. A psychiatric evaluation can help if any of the following symptoms are interfering with one’s ability to function:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Being plagued by disturbing intrusive thoughts daily
• Panic Attacks
• Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there
• Suicidal ideation
• Problems with maintaining concentration affecting work, school or relationships
• Grief and loss

It is important to note that these symptoms may not seem too severe at the moment. However, the symptoms will get worse over time without treatment. The bottom line is that if a person’s emotional or mental symptoms impair their basic functioning, they should seek psychiatric evaluation immediately. If they still feel functional, but these symptoms appear to be getting worse, we recommend seeking psychiatric help. Research shows chances of making a full recovery are more likely the sooner someone receives treatment. If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or another person, call emergency services.

Benefits of Psychiatric Evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation gives patients the chance to discuss their history and symptoms with the doctor. If the diagnosis includes a mood or anxiety disorder, the doctor may provide a stabilizing prescription that will help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Once the patient and the doctor know what they are dealing with, they can decide on a treatment plan.

Often the treatment combines psychotherapy with medication. More importantly, the doctor will help the patient realize this illness is not their fault. This is an illness or disorder, they and many other people have that we can help to customize treatment. The doctor will assure the patient they are not alone in suffering this disorder and that their condition will improve with treatment.

The Initial Consultation

The process typically starts with a comprehensive evaluation. The doctor will want to know the patient’s medical history, family history of mental illness, and any current stressors in the patient’s life. The doctor may order tests to rule out other possibilities such as thyroid and hormone issues that can mimic mental illness. The psychiatrist will want to know how long the patient has had symptoms and how they affect their daily life.

Patients must tell their doctor about all prescription drugs they are taking, how much alcohol they drink, and any illegal drug use. Alcohol and illicit drug use can make mental illness worse or mimic mental illness symptoms. Also, the doctor will have to make sure that any prescriptions given do not pose a risk of harmful drug interactions. If substance abuse is an issue, the patient may be referred to a substance abuse program as part of their treatment.

Sharing such personal information with a stranger can feel intimidating, but patients should know that this doctor is trying to help. Complete openness and honesty is an essential part of getting the right diagnosis. All of this information is confidential and for the sole purpose of getting to the root cause of the illness while finding the most appropriate treatment plan.

Continuing Treatment

The number of follow-up appointments and designated doctor depends on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan. The patient must stay in touch and have a regular meeting schedule with the psychiatrist to manage any medications. For psychotherapy, the general recommendation is If substance abuse treatment is recommended, free community resources include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous that any person can attend.

Therapists and support groups are often resources where those dealing with mental illness learn healthy coping methods. While medication can make a patient feel better, they may not change any maladaptive behaviors that may have contributed to their disorder. However, therapists can use proven methods such as cognitive behavioral treatment to help patients overcome eating disorders, drug abuse, anxiety, depression, and more. Meeting with a support group of people who have also struggled with an ailment similar to the patient can offer great insight by sharing positive ways they have dealt with and overcome their challenges.