What is the purpose of seeing a psychiatrist?
Visiting a psychiatrist can help you diagnose and treat your mental or behavioral disorder. You may need to see a psychiatrist for treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition or personality disorder, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Psychiatrists also treat people with behavioral problems, like eating disorders or substance abuse and addiction.
What can I expect at a psychiatrist appointment?
During your psychiatrist appointment, your doctor may check your vitals, run blood tests, or conduct psychological testing to help understand and treat your condition. After assessing your mental and physical conditions, your psychiatrist works with you to create a treatment plan to help manage your health problems.
Once you are diagnosed and a treatment plan is developed, you will receive treatment during your psychiatrist appointments. Depending on your needs, this may include prescribing medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives or stimulants, and mood stabilizers.
Different medications are used to treat specific mental disorders. You may also receive psychotherapy during your appointment. It’s commonly used alongside medications to manage disorders.
How long is a typical psychiatrist appointment?
The first appointment with a psychiatrist is called an intake appointment. It may last over an hour so your doctor can learn about your medical and psychiatric history. They need to know the current medications you take and any psychiatric medications you have previously taken.
They will also ask you questions and perform physical tests. Your future appointments may be shorter depending on what treatments your psychiatrist recommends.
Do psychiatrists prescribe medication on the first visit?
Once a diagnosis is made, your psychiatrist develops a treatment plan for you that may include prescribing medications. Sometimes patients attend several appointments before they’re diagnosed and given medication, while others may receive medications sooner.
What does a psychiatrist do for anxiety?
A psychiatrist may use psychotherapy and SSRI medications to treat patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. These medications help block your body from reabsorbing serotonin, and the excess amount helps improve your mood and lower your anxiety levels.
Psychiatrists also prescribe benzodiazepine medications that provide short-term relief to patients experiencing acute anxiety attacks. These medications can be habit forming and are only intended for emergency use.
How do I know if I need psychiatric help?
If you’re suffering from a mental health condition that is impacting your life, you may need psychiatric help. This includes sudden changes, such as feeling intense panic or fear, or more chronic conditions like depression.
If life feels overwhelming or you don’t know how to deal with your mental health problems, visiting a psychiatrist can help.
