When people begin seeking mental health treatment they most frequently do so during times of tremendous turmoil in their lives, when they’ve hit the point of a crisis. They may be experiencing distressing physical and emotional symptoms without understanding why, which can leave many feeling hopeless, helpless and alone. While they may recognize that they need additional support and want to find relief through the help of a professional, many are unsure what kind of treatment would be best for them. Given that there are so many treatment options, including psychiatry, counseling and psychotherapy, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. The following information about psychiatry can provide you with useful information that can make your decision more manageable.
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry can perhaps best be understood by considering the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, as these terms can be confusing.
First, a psychotherapist is someone who practices psychotherapy and uses a variety of talk therapy techniques. Psychotherapists can vary widely in their approaches and modalities. In my practice, for example, I use a psychodynamic psychotherapeutic approach to help identify and change maladaptive and painful emotions, thoughts and perceptions. My aim is to help my patients move toward positive change and personal growth, overcoming issues that are holding them back.
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, can also use psychotherapy, but has a medical degree and is therefore able to prescribe medication. In addition to using psychodynamic psychotherapy, I prescribe, adjust and monitor medication based on my patients’ symptoms and needs. Medication is not a requirement for treatment, but can be an additional therapeutic option that patients can use to improve their mood and feel better.
Depression and Anxiety
One of the most common reasons people seek the help of a psychiatrist is to alleviate the symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.
Those suffering from depression often experience a persistent feeling of sadness. They might withdraw from their relationships or experience changes in appetite and sleep, perhaps overeating or not feeling hungry at all, or sleeping too little or too much. They may also experience low energy, a lack of motivation or feelings of meaninglessness.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is marked by a persistent sensation of fear. Those who suffer from anxiety often obsessively worry and may incessantly be on edge. They may dread specific settings, situations or events and even experience panic attacks, which manifest as overwhelming sensations of dread, breathlessness, sweating and heart palpitations, among other symptoms
More information about these conditions can be found on my depression and anxiety pages, which explain various aspects of each in more detail.
Depression, Anxiety and the Brain
Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health issues in the United States, affecting millions of Americans. In fact, almost one in five adults will experience diagnosable depression at some point, and this does not include the many cases that go undiagnosed each year.
Although the neuroscientific understanding of these conditions is still in its infancy, there appears to be a clear relationship between certain pathways affecting neurotransmitters and certain psychiatric conditions. The brain is made up of about 100 billion neurons. These neurons communicate with each other, in part, through neurotransmitters. It is thought that dysfunction within certain neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, lead to certain psychiatric disorders, resulting in feelings of hopelessness, sadness, fear and anxiety. Many psychiatric medications affect changes on these neurotransmitter systems and are able to alleviate both depression and anxiety symptoms.
Psychiatry Can Help You Find Relief on Multiple Fronts
Patients consulting a psychiatrist can expect to undergo a two-pronged approach that combines traditional psychotherapy with the prescription and monitoring of medication. Most patients find medication to be highly beneficial, often providing them with quicker relief than they’d experience through psychotherapy alone. Medication is also sometimes very much needed for its long-term effect on symptoms.
However, medication alone cannot achieve the same long-term changes, personal growth and powerful insights that talk therapy normally affords. In my practice I help patients better understand themselves on this front as well. By examining life stories and personal history, it’s possible to understand the past more deeply. Patients can begin to see how the past may be adversely impacting their present state of mind and contributing to self-destructive and maladaptive behaviors. Once maladaptive ways of acting, thinking and being have been identified and understood more deeply, significant and lasting change can occur.
I can prescribe, adjust and monitor medication so that you can achieve the best possible outcome. I believe that a majority of mental health issues can be effectively treated or managed—whether through medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both—and that positive change and long-term, sustained relief is most certainly possible.
Common Concerns About Psychiatry
Even though someone might be considering therapy, he or she may have some natural uncertainty about the process. The following represents common concerns about psychiatry:
Worries about being pressured to go on medication:
One of the most common reasons people hesitate consulting a psychiatrist is the fear of being forced to take medication. However, I don’t pressure my patients to use medications, but rather guide them toward making a positive, well-informed decision. I can collaborate with you to achieve the best treatment plan possible. I believe it is of the utmost importance to consider the patient’s feelings, fears and safety when formulating a treatment plan and providing recommendation.
Fears regarding the long-term effects of medication and dependency:
These are important concerns. One should always proceed with caution whenever trying a new medication. I am very conservative and cautious in my prescribing methods. As a psychiatrist, I’m very conscious of the addictive properties of certain medications, along with their effects on the body and mind. I minimize my patients’ exposure and closely monitor their dosage so that they are not in danger of being adversely affected.
Apprehensions about discussing uncomfortable thoughts and emotions:
Some patients hesitate coming to treatment because they fear discussing embarrassing or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and issues. These fears are well founded, as therapy does in fact require one to examine painful emotions, thoughts and experiences. However, I believe the benefits of doing so are well worth the discomfort, as confronting difficult feelings can lead to their resolution, whereas denying or ignoring these feelings will lead to their continued painful impact on one’s self and life.
Free Phone Consultation
Depression, anxiety and a variety of other mental health issues are quite treatable. To discuss symptoms or questions about my practice, call me at (212) 254-3145. I offer a 15-minute phone consultation, which I provide at no cost. My office is located in Manhattan, NYC.