MODERN PSYCHIATRY

Contemporary psychiatry is a specialty at the forefront of progressive medicine. Extraordinary opportunities for growth, change and overall quality of life improvement are available for today"s patient. Supported by decades of evidence based research, psychiatrists can now utilize personalized medical approaches to enhance treatment and promote wellness. The result is more directed and rapid symptom improvement and recurrence prevention based on the needs of each individual.

Psychiatry has evolved into a vibrant, multifaceted field that incorporates research from a variety of disciplines including endocrinology, immunology, neurology, genetics, psychology and psychoanalysis. The alleviation of human suffering remains the mission of psychiatry and we have a broad spectrum of treatment options to address much emotional distress, executive dysfunction and/or physical discomfort. Your recovery and journey to optimal mental health may involve lifestyle changes,nutritional changes, psychotherapy,supplements, genetic testing and/or medication.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PSYCHIATRIST

Before going to any mental health professional, it is important to know the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who can prescribe drugs, order and interpret laboratory tests. Psychiatrists also use other approaches which may include cognitive or behavioral approaches.

Nowadays, therapists and psychiatrists often work together. For instance, a psychotherapist may suspect that you have a medical or biochemical disorder complicating your condition and refer you to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication management. This is known as the 'Split Treatment' model.

DEFINITIONS

Psychiatrist - a medical doctor who specialises in the evaluation and medical management of a broad range of psychiatric conditions. A psychiatrist is licensed as a medical doctor and can prescribe medication.

Psychopharmacology - the study of drug-induced changes of mood, sensation, thinking and behavior

Medication Management - the closely monitored utilization of medication to target specific symptoms causing distress.

Split Treatment Model - a collaborative treatment arrangement whereby a psychiatrist is responsible for medication management and psychotherapy is provided by another mental health professional.

Psychoanalysis - a form of intense psychotherapy based on the ideas of Sigmund Freud (Freudian analysis) or Carl Jung (Jungian analysis)

Psychotherapist - a psychologist, social worker, a counselor/therpist, or psychiatrist that provides psychotherapy. There are different degrees of training associated with each. See PsychCentral


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINE