Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that involves medical professionals who have completed a course in medical school and specialisation in the medical field to study, diagnose and cure psychiatric illnesses. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medications and integrate medical interventions in a complex psychological issue with psychotherapy and counselling. Psychiatric diagnoses in the majority of cases would entail rigorous tests, which include interviewing the patients, conducting medical procedures and psychological tests.
Scope of Psychiatric Care
Psychiatry deals with various disorders, and they include:
- Neuropsychiatric disorders (mood disorders, depression, bipolar disorder)
- Panic disorder (anxiety disorders, generalised anxiety).
- Psychotic diseases (schizophrenia).
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Neurodevelopment trauma (autism spectrum, ADHD).
Dementia and late-life depression are also considered issues of geriatric psychiatry.
To tailor a treatment to fit a person, psychiatrists make use of medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, sedatives, and anxiolytics, among others, as a form of psychotherapy.
Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities
Psychiatric diagnosis processes involve:
- Mental condition analysis and general psychiatric interview.
- Psychological tests and rating scales.
- Lab tests to eliminate medical conditions that are confounding psychiatric symptomatology.
- Would refer to neurophysiological and brain imaging studies.
Treatments encompass:
- Care for a wide range of psychotropic medications.
- Treatment-resistant case strategy (electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)).
- Wholesome care models involving physical well-being and social support, and recovery.
- Wholesome care models involving physical well-being and social support, and recovery.
The Significance of Psychiatry
Mental health is key to general health, which influences physical health, relationships, productivity and lifespan. The close engagement of psychiatry with neurology, psychology, primary care and social services is aimed at offering a holistic treatment. The early diagnosis and the consistent treatment of mental illnesses largely determine the reduction of the effects of the latter.
Psychiatry and Mental Health Services of Liv Hospital
At Liv Hospital, in psychiatry, a complete program is offered, which includes:
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment based on evidence.
- Disciplinary Multidisciplinary team practice, Psychologist, social workers and therapists.
- Access to non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment.
- Geriatric, adolescent, geriatric, and geriatric populations. Special care.
- Confidential and empathetic services for the patients.
At Liv Hospital, advanced care will be offered to families and individuals who need professional mental health assistance. See the Liv Hospital homepage or the Psychiatry and Mental Health Clinic.
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