What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses specifically on the medical and psychotherapeutic treatment of mental conditions and disorders.
How does psychiatry work?
Psychiatry allows people struggling to manage mental conditions or disorders to get access to medications that will make daily functioning easier, as well as work through any mental factors that might be causing or worsening their condition. Though medications can't cure mental disorders, medication can make symptoms more manageable, making the process of psychotherapeutic treatment easier and more effective. Psychiatric care can be available through in-person psychiatry and online psychiatry, depending on where you live and your own preferences. However, psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in West Palm Beach, FL specifically offer online psychiatry to their clients.
Does psychiatry deal with anxiety?
Psychiatrists are among the mental health professionals who can prescribe anxiety medication, and they are also capable of offering therapeutic treatment for anxiety as well, though not every psychiatric professional offers therapy. Medication management can be offered via in-person or online psychiatry.
What is the difference between a mental health therapist and psychiatrist?
A therapist has an education specifically rooted in therapeutic practice, approaches, techniques, and treatment. They cannot prescribe medications for clients, thought they often refer clients to psychiatrists for medication management. Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who specialize in mental health treatment, mainly through medication management and prescription, though they can also practice therapy.
What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists receive differing educations, as psychologists are not medically trained the same way that psychiatrists are. Psychologists mainly specialize in providing therapy services and diagnoses for mental disorders — something that most therapists cannot provide — while psychiatrists manage medications and sometimes provide therapy services. The main difference is that psychologists (generally) cannot prescribe medications the way psychiatrists can.
Do psychiatric NPs treat mental disorders?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) treat and diagnose disorders, prescribe and manage medications, and offer psychotherapy services, too.
How do psychiatriac providers diagnose?
Oftentimes, psychiatrists or psychiatric professionals will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which involves an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Once they reach a diagnosis, they may suggest starting certain medications depending on your condition and the intensity of your symptoms.
Is psychiatry/medication conducted in person or online?
At Thriveworks, we offer online psychiatry as well as in-person therapy services for optimal comfort and convenience.
How long does psychiatry last?
Psychiatric services at Thriveworks West Palm Beach can last for as little or as much time as the client needs to reach their treatment goals, whether that be a month or two or over the course of years. treatment length is heavily dependent on the condition(s) being treated, the course of treatment, and the client's goals for treatment.
Need more help deciding?
West Palm Beach, FL Psychiatry – Meet With Board-Certified Psychiatrists
If you think you may benefit from psychiatric care, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our online psychiatric providers at Thriveworks. You can schedule your appointment at Thriveworks in West Palm Beach, FL today and have a video session with a compassionate psychiatric provider often within the same week as scheduling.
What Disorders Can a Psychiatrist Treat?
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who has specialized in the field of psychiatry. In medical school, psychiatrists study the regions of the brain that control our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as the connections between neurochemistry and these actions. This allows them to help determine the biological factors that contribute to mental disorders and properly diagnose them.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a psychiatrist is, let’s look at some of the common mental disorders they can treat:
- OCD: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), this mental disorder affects 2.2 million adults worldwide. Symptoms of OCD may include fear of contamination or dirt, needing things orderly and symmetrical, doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty, and many others. A psychiatric provider will investigate to discern the medical component of these symptoms and then provide a tailored treatment plan. They may also prescribe an antidepressant, which is commonly used to treat OCD.
- Anxiety: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this is the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults. Anxiety symptoms may include feelings of panic, danger, or dread, rapid heart rate, nervousness, restlessness, and more. After evaluating their symptoms, a psychiatric provider may recommend that a client undergo psychotherapy, such as CBT, as well as prescribe an anti anxiety medication.
- Depression: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this mental disorder impacts 264 million people globally. Symptoms of depression can include loss of interest in activities, decreased mood, feelings of hopelessness, weight changes, and many others. Once a diagnosis has been made, a psychiatric provider will likely have the client start psychotherapy, as well as potentially start an antidepressant regimen.
Should I See a Psychiatrist?
Due to the broad spectrum of mental illnesses that can be treated with psychiatry, there are many reasons why you may want to seek psychiatric care. Every individual will likely have a different reason; however, here are some factors you might want to take into consideration:
- You are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a significant mental illness (e.g. anxiety, loss of interest, decreased mood, fear of contamination or dirt, or difficulty tolerating uncertainty)
- Addictive behaviors (e.g. substance abuse or gambling)
- Low self-esteem or body image issues
- Violent or aggressive thoughts and behaviors towards yourself or others
- You find life overwhelming and are feeling hopeless
- You are a victim of any form of abuse (e.g. emotional, physical, or sexual)
- You have been referred by a medical professional or therapist
A psychiatric provider will be able to conduct both laboratory and psychological testing to help discern the cause of your symptoms and provide a professional assessment of your mental state.
Medication Management: What Do I Need to Know?
When you begin the discussion of using medication for your symptoms, you will need to inform your psychiatric provider of any current medications you are taking, as well as any allergies you may have to medications or ingredients. You should also provide them with your medical history before starting any new medications.
After choosing a medication, your psychiatric provider will provide you with instructions on how to properly take your medication, as well as inform you of any potential side effects.
If your medication is not yielding the desired results, tell your psychiatric provider. They will be happy to prescribe a different medication, one that is a better fit for you.
Scheduling a Psychiatry Session at Thriveworks in West Palm Beach, FL
If you think you may benefit from psychiatric care, consider working with an online psychiatric provider at Thriveworks in West Palm Beach, FL. Our psychiatric providers accept most insurance plans and offer evening and weekend appointments. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling (561) 536-5293. Our scheduling specialists are standing by to help you thrive.
