Psychiatrist Altamonte Springs, FL

Treatment and Medications

Psychiatrists treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including the following:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Panic Disorder
• Depressive Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Psychosis
• Substance abuse disorder
• Concentration/attention issues
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Adolescent Disorders
• Geriatric Disorders

Conditions are diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation is the first step in the treatment process. Some patients have a combination of these mental health issues and require a multi-faceted approach to treatment.

These doctors may employ treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other brain stimulation therapies but are most likely to use prescription medications.

Typical psychiatric drugs include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, hypnotics, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. It is important to take these medications under a psychiatrist’s supervision to monitor for effectiveness, undesirable side effects and avoid unsafe drug interactions.

The patient must inform the psychiatrist of any alcohol or drug use as these substances may not mix well with many psychiatric medications. Drug and alcohol use may also decrease the effectiveness of these medications.

What to Expect at the First Appointment with a Psychiatrist

A quality relationship between doctor and patient is vital to the success of treatment. An important purpose of the first appointment is to make sure the patient is comfortable with the psychiatrist. It is vital the patient feels they can be open and candid with the psychiatrist about their entire health history, including difficult subjects such as trauma, psychotic episodes, and recreational drug use.

The doctor will interview the patient extensively to try to get a preliminary diagnosis. The psychiatric evaluation typically covers a patient’s medical history, past mental health problems, and family history of mental illness. The psychiatrist will question the patient about their current symptoms, the intensity of symptoms, and how their daily lives are affected.

After getting the patient’s medical and psychiatric history and assessing the patient’s current state of health, the doctor may want to order additional tests. Often these tests are to make sure the condition is not a result of a physiological issue such as hormones or a medication the patient is already taking. Pre-existing medical conditions, current medications, and alcohol and drug use can impact treatment and aggravate mental disorders.

The doctor will discuss the diagnosis with the patient and suggest a treatment plan. The patient should ask any questions they have about the treatment and express any concerns at this appointment. The doctor will then schedule follow-up appointments to verify the treatment is working or make necessary adjustments.

Benefits of Psychiatry

A psychiatrist can help patients regain their sense of well-being. Depending on the patient’s condition, a psychiatrist can help those suffering from depression and/or anxiety finally find relief, and those struggling with substance dependency break free. A psychiatrist can recognize hypothyroidism, a condition easily misdiagnosed as a mental illness. By screening for this condition, they can connect the patient with the correct form of treatment. Even patients dealing with debilitating illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can lead happy and productive lives with the help of a psychiatrist.

Dealing with mental illness often requires daily management and a multi-pronged approach to treatment. Though medication is helpful, doctors often recommend combining it with counseling from a psychologist.

In addition to anti-anxiety meds, a person might undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy with a psychologist to change anxiety-producing behavior or thought patterns. This is just one example of how psychiatry and psychotherapy work together to help patients deal with the complex problem of mental illness.

Finding The Right Psychiatrist

When a patient seeks psychiatric help, it is usually because a mental health issue has gotten to the point where it interferes with their daily life. Patients should know they do not have to wait until matters become drastic before seeking help. Almost everyone will have to deal with a mental health issue at some point in their life, and there is no shame in seeking help. The sooner a person seeks help, the easier it will be to treat them. In addition, poor emotional and mental health will eventually have a negative impact on a person’s physical health if not treated.

Talking to a friend or family member one trusts about their mental health is a good place to start when seeking help. This is the first step many take in finding a psychiatrist. Next, patients can turn to their primary care physician for a referral. Many insurance companies can provide a list of providers on one’s plan. Then, the patient can go online to read reviews of the psychiatrists on that list. If one is new to the area, the internet is a good source for information on local psychiatrists as well.

People can even use the internet to start doing a background check on a doctor they are considering. All of this takes time, which is another reason patients should not wait until there is a crisis or near-crisis to seek help. It is perfectly acceptable to talk to a few psychiatrists to find the right fit. Patients should ask a lot of questions at the consultation, as this is someone they will be working with for a while and someone they should feel comfortable sharing personal information with.

Often, people do not realize someone is having a problem with mental health issues until it becomes a crisis. It is important to know what to do if this happens. If someone you know is having a psychiatric emergency, get them to an emergency room. If the person is in immediate danger of harming themselves or another person, call 911. If someone has a family member who has a severe mental disorder, it is important to know what resources are available in the area. This way, family members will be better prepared to help if a loved one is in trouble.