Mental Illness 101: Getting Diagnosed For A Psychiatric Disorder!

Psychology is a complicated science, and unfortunately, we don’t talk about mental health as much as we should. Just because you have a mental health issue, it doesn’t mean you have to start depending on medications right away. However, what is important is the right psychiatric diagnosis in time. There are varied kinds of mental health disorders, and in this post, we are discussing more on the diagnosis and things worth knowing.

Knowing mental health disorders

Many symptoms of mental health disorders are similar and may overlap one another, and it is important to understand the condition of the patient first. In general, mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, is considered to be different than that of anxiety disorders, although a person may have both. Other mental health disorders including psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Substance abuse disorders are also counted in this list.

How is a diagnosis done?

Diagnosis for a psychiatric disorder may not follow the same route for every patient. However, doctors and psychiatrists will rely on a physical exam, and some lab tests, including screening for drugs, and testing for thyroid function can be recommended. More important is psychological evaluation, which involves understanding the behavioral patterns, thoughts and feelings of the patient, and your psychiatrist may give you a few tests to complete. It may take a while to get accurate diagnosis, but your doctor will recommend a few basic things to manage the symptoms. For instance, psychiatrists often rely on psychologists to get advice and better understanding of the symptoms, and medications are recommended when therapy alone doesn’t seem to be effective.

Getting help

Some of the worst cases of psychiatric disorders involve self-harm and suicidal thoughts. You have to understand that you are not alone, and there are many people in the world who are going through similar, if not same, situations and circumstances. If you see a sudden change in your mood time and again, or are unable to handle stress and anxiety, check with a psychiatrist and seek their advice. Sometimes, just talk therapy and simple techniques like meditation can make a big difference. Even if you are recommended medications, you wouldn’t have to depend on them for a lifetime, depending on how you improve.

Talk about mental health, and if someone you know is going through a psychiatric disorder, encourage them to seek help from professionals without delay.