What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is the field of medicine that specializes in mental health, including emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists attend medical school and complete additional internship and residency training to specialize in psychiatry. 

They diagnose conditions and offer treatment that includes medication, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Psychiatry focuses on mental health disorders, including: 

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dissociative disorder
• Schizophrenia
  
  

Unlike other mental health providers, psychiatrists complete medical school and can prescribe drugs as well as offer psychotherapy, lifestyle advice, and other treatments.

The psychiatric team at Dr. Messina & Associates offers specialized treatments for children, adolescents, and adults. If you or a member of your family need psychiatric care, call Dr. Messina & Associates today.

Why would I need to see a psychiatrist?

Each mental health disorder has its own warning signs and symptoms. However, some of the common signs that you need psychiatric help include: 

• Chronic and intense anxiety and fears
• Trouble adjusting after significant life changes or stress
• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness that don’t go away
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Persistent negative thoughts
• Obsessive thought patterns
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Out-of-control drug or alcohol use
• Poor concentration
• Hyperactivity
• Violent or emotional outbursts

If any of these symptoms are accompanied by changes in your sleep patterns or appetite, or if you find yourself withdrawing from your friends or family and going out of your way to avoid certain situations or people, you may benefit from psychiatric care and should make an appointment.

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you are having thoughts of suicide.

How are psychiatric health issues treated?

The team at Dr. Messina & Associates begins treatment with a thorough psychiatric assessment and testing to diagnose your condition and determine its severity.  

They then create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs that combines medicine, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies to restore your mental health.

To learn more, call Dr. Messina & Associates or make an appointment online today.