The famous psychiatrists Elisabeth Kubler-Ross once stated, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” We all go through difficult times in life and sometimes it may seem like we’ll never overcome these trials. But when you’re brave enough to ask for professional help in conquering your demons, you can recover your light within and even learn to flourish.
Psychiatrists belong to a branch of medicine that seeks to understand and treat both the physical and psychological aspects of mental disorders. Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA assess, diagnose, and treat clients who have depression, anxiety, and other serious issues. When you see a Thriveworks psychiatrist online or in-person, you can expect support for everything from subtle neurochemical imbalances to obvious behaviors. Thriveworks psychiatrists in Vancouver, WA can positively intervene when you feel overwhelmed or out of control.
The Crucial Difference Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists
The key difference between a psychiatrist (an MD) and a psychologist (usually a PhD or a PsyD) is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medication and a psychologist can’t. Therefore a psychiatrist has the ability to explore drug interventions and treatment in addition to therapy.
That being said, psychologists and psychiatrists work together all the time. Many people who suffer from mental disorders have overlapping diagnoses and can benefit from a few different courses of action, like psychotherapy from a counselor and medication management from a psychiatrist. Different mental health providers can collaborate to find the treatment plan at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA that’s right for you.
What Are the Signs That I Might Need a Psychiatrist?
You and your loved ones may be best qualified to know when it’s time for you to see a psychiatrist. If your thoughts and habits change drastically or you find yourself frightened by your thoughts and feelings, that’s a pretty good sign that you may need to seek professional help from a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA. You can be on the lookout for any of the following signs, which could indicate an underlying mental issue:
- Harming oneself or others
- Addictions to sex or gambling
- Substance abuse
- Violent thoughts or actions
- Unmanageable anger
- Anti-social behaviors
- Obsessions
- Hyperactivity
- Inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia)
- Lack of motivation
- Depressed feelings
- Eating too much or too little
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Hallucinations
- Hearing voices
- Hopelessness
- Panic attacks
- Agoraphobia
Are your thoughts or behaviors interfering with work, school, or your relationships? Are you finding it hard to function and perform your everyday tasks? A Thriveworks psychiatrist or telepsychiatrist can help you overcome the barriers to a healthy mind and body.
How Do Psychiatrists Diagnose Disorders?
A psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA is going to use the entire scope of their education and training to develop a full picture of your mental and physical status. They may want to do the following tasks as part of their initial evaluation:
- Discuss your symptoms
- Ask you to fill out a self-assessment
- Perform laboratory tests
- Perform psychological tests
- Do a physical exam
- Get your medical history
- Get your family’s medical history
- Talk to your other doctors or counselors
- Ask you to do mood charting
- Take a psychosocial evaluation
The more a psychiatrist knows, the more accurately they can diagnose you. But keep in mind that a diagnosis isn’t a label that you must keep forever. Mental disorders can be fluid because people are always changing. Just because you have clinical depression this year doesn’t mean that it won’t go into remission with the right treatment. But even if you’re feeling well, checking in with a psychiatrist regularly can help prevent future mental health episodes.
How Do Psychiatrists Treat Bipolar Disorder?
First of all, there are two types of bipolar disorder and they both require different approaches:
- Bipolar I disorder (manic depression)
- Bipolar II disorder (type 2 bipolar)
After a psychiatrist conducts a comprehensive assessment and diagnoses you with a bipolar disorder, you may experience some grief and heartache because you will probably need to manage your disorder throughout your life. But a diagnosis may also come as a relief because knowing what you’re experiencing from a medical point of view means that you can effectively treat it. Psychiatrists at Thriveworks in Vancouver, WA may use one or a combination of these treatment options for bipolar disorders:
- Medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs
- Online or in-person psychotherapy
- Continued, not short-term, treatment
- Substance abuse treatment if you’re having overlapping addiction issues
- In-patient treatment (hospitalization)
- Lifestyle changes (exercise and diet)
A psychiatrist may also recommend attending group therapy or attending a support group to help you express and process your feelings.
Make an Online or In-Person Appointment with a Thriveworks Psychiatrist
Our psychiatrists are ready to lend their full medical support and expertise to Thriveworks clients in Vancouver, WA. Our mental health providers can see you in as few as 24-48 hours. When you enroll at Thriveworks, you also get unlimited free email and phone access to your psychiatrist between sessions so you can ask any questions or bring up any concerns even outside of clinic hours.
Call today to set up your first appointment with one of our fully licensed, top-rated psychiatrists.
