What is the role of a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (with an M.D. or D.O.) trained and licensed to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental illness. A psychiatrist can also assess whether the symptoms correspond to a physical ailment, such as anemia, or a psychiatric condition. To qualify as a psychiatrist, specialists complete the following:
- Four years of medical school to graduate with a degree in Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Four-year residency program
Specialists also get the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certification. Psychiatrists may undertake a fellowship program to specialize in a particular area. Some subspecialties of psychiatry are:
- Addiction psychiatry
- Emergency psychiatry
- Forensic (legal) psychiatry
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Pain medicine
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Consultation-liaison psychiatry
- Sleep medicine
Types of psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists participate in fellowships, which can last one to two years and include research projects and training to learn how to treat particular groups of people.
- Child psychiatry focuses on young children and teenagers and the issues that affect their behavior, well-being, and thinking.
- Forensic psychiatry, in which doctors work with issues involving mental health and law. They analyze and overlook the mental health of inmates. Some doctors testify in court concerning the mental health of those accused of crimes and may even tell the court if a person is competent to stand trial. A forensic psychiatrist can also help determine whether a person may harm others.
- Geriatric psychiatry focuses on treating adults aged 65 and above. These doctors have received training in various later-life disorders, including depression, dementia, and anxiety.
- Addiction psychiatry helps in the treatment and management of patients who have a substance abuse disorder.
- Emergency psychiatry assists patients in life-threatening crises like suicide attempts, psychosis (when people lose their sense of reality and see or hear things that are not there), severe depression, or violence.
- Consultation or liaison psychiatry allows psychiatrists to collaborate with doctors in a general medical context.
What is the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a psychiatrist?
A psychologist has a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and research or clinical practice training. They are skilled in treating mental health conditions with psychotherapy. A therapist holds a master's degree in a mental health-related field, such as counseling psychology. They can evaluate a person's mental health and use therapeutic interventions such as talk therapy.
Psychiatrists have the training to perform or order medical and psychological tests. These tests help them diagnose mental health conditions. They also formulate individualized treatment plans, which include psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. While a psychiatrist can prescribe drugs and other treatments, a psychologist or a therapist cannot. In other words, psychology is the study of the mind and emotions, whereas psychiatry is the field of medicine that looks at diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
How can psychiatrists help improve your mental health?
Mental disorders present themselves across all ages, genders, and demographics. They may range in severity from mild to severe. The conditions that always warrant a psychiatrist consultation include:
- Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and other stress-related disorders
- Depression, including postpartum depression
- Personality disorders like antisocial disorder and borderline personality disorder
- Anxiety disorders such as social anxiety, OCD
- Eating disorders such as anorexia
- Sleep disorders
Even if you don't have a history of mental disorders, it is best to have troubling symptoms evaluated by a professional. This may also help prevent the onset of illness later in life. Common treatments include medication. The psychiatrists will determine the correct prescription and dosage based on your previous medical history, body type, and ongoing symptoms. For instance, not all antidepressants will cure a patient's depression. Others may relieve symptoms but lead to weight gain or insomnia. Therefore, an open discussion about your needs and priorities is essential to achieving long-term mental well-being.
After a diagnosis, they can prescribe medication or other forms of treatment (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) to help the patient achieve better productivity and happiness. During treatment planning, the psychiatrist assesses the impact of the medications on the patient's overall physical health, including their blood sugar level, body weight, and sleep. Discuss it with your doctor if you are worried about medications having side effects.
Sometimes, other forms of mental health care (such as counseling or psychoanalysis) may also be recommended. Your psychiatrist may also work with a team of other professionals (such as clinical psychologists) to ensure the fastest and most effective recovery plan for you.
What treatment methods do psychiatrists use?
Psychiatrists often address more complex mental health disorders than other mental health professionals. They employ and prescribe a wide range of treatment methods for mental health issues, which can be highly personalized and unique to each individual. Their treatment plans can also include a combination of therapies. Some of these include:
Psychotherapy, also called "talk therapy," is a treatment that encourages you to converse with a mental healthcare expert to identify and work through the issues influencing your mental health and what triggers them.
A psychiatrist can prescribe medication to manage and treat mental health disorders. These drugs work by altering chemical signaling and communication within your brain, which can alleviate some symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists sometimes use other treatments for certain psychiatric conditions, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), light therapy for seasonal depression, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
When should you see a psychiatrist?
Focusing on your mental health is as important as your physical health. With the help of self-diagnosis, you can become aware of certain behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns that interfere with your everyday life. Mental episodes may be random, infrequent, or constant. In such cases, seeking help is essential. Ignoring various signs of poor mental health can worsen symptoms over time.
So, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you must seek help from a psychiatrist:
- Persistent low mood lasting longer than three weeks
- Frequent anxiety or worrying
- Trouble sleeping
- Inconsistent sleep patterns
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of Self-harm
- Hallucinations or deluded thinking
- Erratic or unexplained emotions, such as emotional outbursts
- Substance abuse (dependency on alcohol or drugs)
- Inconsistent diet patterns (e.g., not eating enough)
How to prepare for the appointment?
It is normal to feel anxious before your first appointment with a psychiatrist. When you schedule your first appointment, you have taken a decisive step towards a better and more fulfilling life. Psychiatrists are trained to appreciate your concerns and make you feel at ease.
They may ask a few initial questions to create a safe environment and start with your diagnosis and treatment. The psychiatrist may also offer suggestions or advice to help you learn how to tackle those problems and live a stress-free and productive life.
Preparing a list of signs you think might be relevant to your mental health is helpful. It would help if you also jotted down any challenges you face at work or in your personal life. This will help you remember to bring them up during the consultation.
Psychiatrists near you in Denver
Finding the right psychiatrist is vital to a happier and more satisfying life. To find the best psychiatrist in your neighborhood, search on Zocdoc. Our powerful algorithms will match you with top-ranked psychiatrists near you in Denver who suit your needs.
Enter keywords like "psychiatrist" and your location so Zocdoc can help you find qualified psychiatrists near you. It also lets you search among in-network doctors: simply choose an insurance carrier, and you can see psychiatrists that accept your insurance. You can also look at the provider's profile to learn more about their credentials and field of specialization. This ensures you receive high-quality care from one of the most experienced psychiatrists near you. At your convenience, schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free.
Mental health statistics in Denver
The 2019 Colorado Health Access Survey on behavioral health indicated that the rate of mental health issues in Colorado rose from about 11.8% in 2017 to 15.3% in 2019. Yet, access to mental health care remained limited. Most people cited social stigma around mental health as the primary reason for not consulting a psychiatrist.
According to an independent study by Mental Health America (MHA), Colorado is one of the starkest outcomes regarding mental health. The report found that nearly 19.55 % of residents in Colorado have a mental health disorder — the third-highest in America. The authors further note that children and teenagers were the most affected, with the highest alcohol or drug use rates in people under 18 compared to all other states.
Another report by Denver Public Health noted that, in 2017, one out of every eight residents of Denver reported experiencing eight or more days straight of poor mental health in the month preceding a survey. These findings underscore the need for improved access to qualified psychiatrists in Denver and surrounding areas.
Sources
WebMD
MedlinePlus
Verywell Mind
Mental Health America
Colorado Health Institute
Cleveland Clinic
