What is adult psychiatry?

Adult psychiatry, also known as adult mental health, is a medical specialization focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders in adults. Psychiatrists specializing in adult psychiatry are mental health professionals with extensive training in mental health, neuroscience, and the complexities of adult development. They employ evidence-based approaches and treatments to help individuals navigate psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Conditions treated in adult psychiatry

Adult psychiatry addresses various mental health disorders and conditions that can affect people throughout adulthood. Some common conditions addressed by adult psychiatrists include:

• Mood disorders. These mental health conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. They can significantly impact an individual's emotional state and quality of life.

• Anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and social anxiety disorder can manifest as excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviors.

• Personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder can affect an individual's relationships and overall functioning.

• Psychotic disorders. Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder, can cause people to have disturbances in thinking, perception, and behavior.

• Substance use disorders. The misuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol can lead to severe physical, psychological, and personal consequences.

• Eating disorders. These types of conditions, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, involve unhealthy eating behaviors and distorted body image.

When experiencing suicidal ideation, hallucinations, or the desire to self-harm, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. These feelings are life-threatening and can hurt the affected and their loved ones.

Treatment Methods in adult psychiatry

Psychiatrists who treat adults utilize a comprehensive strategy to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. Each treatment plan takes into account each patient's individual needs and goals. The following section includes the key components of the methods that psychiatrists use to help people regain control of their lives.

Evaluation and diagnosis

Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations, considering medical and family history, symptoms, and personal experiences to make an accurate diagnosis. They may also request laboratory tests or imaging studies to rule out underlying medical conditions. For example, some patients who experience symptoms of depression may have issues with their thyroid gland, which significantly impacts one's hormones and general mood.

Medication

After the psychiatrist makes an accurate diagnosis, they can treat the patient. One common psychiatric treatment is prescription medication. These medications can alleviate symptoms, stabilize mood, and improve the patient's overall functioning. The psychiatrist then monitors the medication's effectiveness and makes adjustments as needed.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy is a crucial aspect of adult psychiatry. These therapies help individuals develop coping skills, challenge negative thought patterns, and explore underlying emotional issues. Some common types of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Brain stimulation

This type of psychiatric therapy treats mental disorders by activating or inhibiting the brain with electricity. The electricity can be delivered directly through electrodes implanted in the patient's brain or indirectly through electrodes placed on their scalp. The psychiatrist can also induce electricity by applying magnetic fields to the patient's head. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes brain stimulation therapies to treat specific mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Collaborative care

Adult psychiatrists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. These professionals may include psychologists, social workers, and primary care physicians to provide comprehensive and integrated care. This approach ensures that individuals receive support and treatment from various medical disciplines.

Lifestyle modifications

Another integral part of psychiatric treatment is lifestyle modification. It can contribute to the effectiveness of medication and talk therapy. Psychiatrists emphasize the importance of self-care practices, stress management techniques, healthy relationships, exercise, and a balanced diet to promote a patient's overall health and well-being.

Schedule an appointment

Adult psychiatry is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to addressing and treating mental health disorders in adults. A psychiatrist can help adults navigate their mental health challenges, improving their overall well-being and quality of life. If you or someone you love is experiencing issues with mental health, call our office to learn more about our adult psychiatry services or schedule an evaluation. Remember that you are not alone. Seek psychiatric treatment today and take back control of your life.

Become a new patient today or give us a call: 631-673-3233.