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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
To understand if a child is having any medical disorder; we can use the acronym FIDI. It stands for “Frequency; Intensity; Duration; and Impairment.” A doctor taking care of your son will ask you related questions that can be “How frequent are the symptoms”; or “How severe are the symptoms?” Doctors have their respective criteria for diagnosis to measure and check if the child is exhibiting a disorder. The difference between typical behaviour and a disorder can be understood by the “Impairment” factor. If the symptoms of your son/ daughter are affecting the family; treatment is essential for whole family.
Because they are physicians; psychiatrists can order or perform a full range of medical laboratory and psychological tests which; combined with discussions with patients; help provide a picture of a patient’s physical and mental state. Their education and clinical training equip them to understand the complex relationship between emotional and other medical illnesses and the relationships with genetics and family history; to evaluate medical and psychological data; to make a diagnosis; and to work with patients to develop treatment plans.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (completed medical school and residency) with special training in psychiatry. A psychiatrist is able to conduct psychotherapy and prescribe medications and other medical treatments. A psychologist usually has an advanced degree; most commonly in clinical psychology; and often has extensive training in research or clinical practice. Psychologists approach mental disorders with psychotherapy and some specialize in psychological testing and evaluation. They do not prescribe medicines.
Therapy may be conducted in an individual; family; couple; or group setting; and can help both children and adults. Sessions are typically held once a week for about 45 to 50 minutes. Both patient and therapist need to be actively involved in psychotherapy. The trust and relationship between a person and his/her therapist is important for working together effectively and making gains from psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few weeks to months); dealing with more immediate challenges; or long-term (months to years); dealing with longstanding and complex issues. The goals of treatment and duration and frequency of treatment are discussed by the patient and therapist together. Confidentiality is a basic requirement of psychotherapy. Also; although patients share personal feelings and thoughts; intimate physical contact with a therapist is never appropriate; acceptable.
There is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of telepsychiatry and research has found satisfaction to be high among patients; psychiatrists and other professionals. Telepsychiatry is equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic accuracy; treatment effectiveness; quality of care and patient satisfaction. Patient privacy and confidentiality are equivalent to in-person care. Research has also found that overall experiences among all age groups have been good. There are even people for which telepsychiatry may be preferable to in-person care; for example people with autism or severe anxiety disorders and patients with physical limitations may find the remote treatment particularly useful.
