The first time Katie took prescription pills, she swore it would be her last. She was a college student trying to finish her senior year on a strong note. The pill was only supposed to keep her awake long enough to complete her toughest exam yet.
She passed easily. But ever since, she’s taken pills whenever she’s felt nervous — during job interviews, on dates, right before she gave a speech at her best friend’s wedding. The effects of the drug only last for a few hours, and she feels awful afterward — sluggish, disoriented, irritable. One day, she makes a vow to never take unprescribed pills again.
For a while, Katie keeps her promise and she returns to her old, laughing self. Her energy levels are higher, her stomach doesn’t feel as upset, and she’s generally happier. But then a big project comes through at work and Katie doesn’t know how to cope. She’s unable to focus on the numbers and figures in the data, and every approaching deadline seems like a threat.
She returns to her pills, consuming more than ever. When she wakes up, she’s in the hospital. Her best friend is asleep beside her, holding her hand. She doesn’t know when she blacked out, but she knows why.
A few days later, Katie is in a psychiatrist’s office. She explains to her provider why she first began taking the pills and why she started again recently. Within a week, they devise a treatment plan for her substance abuse problem. Katie knows it’ll take work to get to where she wants to be but she’s looking forward to it; old Katie was always a hard worker.
Psychiatrists treat more than mood and anxiety disorders. As doctors with a medical degree, they have the skills and experience to handle a client’s mental health issues and address their physical symptoms, too. Every day, they help people who are struggling with addiction, personality disorders, and other challenges.
To meet with a board-certified psychiatrist, schedule an appointment at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL. Our licensed professionals offer convenient online appointments by phone or video chat so you can get help without leaving your home. No matter where you are in your wellness journey, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Common Illnesses and Disorders Addressed By Psychiatrists
We all have our own unique challenges. That’s why psychiatrists spend years in medical school learning how to treat all kinds of mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues.
Some of the most common illnesses and disorders that psychiatrists treat include:
- Mood disorders
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Personality disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Body image dysmorphia and eating disorders
- Trauma and abuse
- Insomnia
This list only scratches the surface of possible mental illnesses and disorders a board-certified psychiatrist can treat. To begin your wellness plan, schedule an appointment with our scheduling staff at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL. We’ll help you find the right provider for your needs.
What Will Treatment Look Like?
As medical doctors and mental health professionals, psychiatrists are able to provide whole-body care that addresses biological, psychological, and social factors. Your provider will create a treatment plan that accommodates both the mental and physical symptoms of your illness or disorder.
Psychiatric treatment includes:
- Diagnosing your mental health issue. Your provider will ask questions about your environment, childhood, and behaviors to learn more about you. They may also review your medical history and request lab work to help arrive at a diagnosis.
- Treating your illness or disorder with psychotherapy or specific forms of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and exposure therapy. Your provider may also prescribe medication.
- Preventing future episodes and disorders by giving you coping techniques and self-care tips to help you manage your symptoms more effectively.
Your specific treatment strategy will depend on the type of care you require. Whether you’re looking for help with an eating disorder, trying to manage your panic disorder, or something else entirely, a trained psychiatric professional at Thriveworks can provide the guidance you need. Schedule an appointment with our Arlington Heights, IL staff to get started today.
Book a Remote Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL
Everyone deserves sound mental and emotional help. That’s why our Thriveworks team opens its office early and closes its doors late. We offer evening and weekend sessions as well as online counseling services via video or phone.
We also have a strong online community that includes a virtual life coach Q&A service, counselor-moderated message boards, and educational video content. Our team in Arlington Heights, IL accepts a variety of insurance plans to suit your needs, and we may offer our new clients the opportunity to be seen within 48 hours.
It takes teamwork to face our fears. You don’t have to deal with your symptoms alone. Connect with us at Thriveworks in Arlington Heights, IL to book an appointment. Together, we can help you thrive.
