Psychiatry is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study of mental health. This includes diagnosing and treating cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders that could negatively impact overall wellness.

Psychiatrists attend medical school and are subsequently trained through internships and residencies before becoming licensed professionals. Their job is to thoroughly evaluate a patient’s mental health to detect if he or she exhibits signs of a specific disorder. This often involves reviewing the histories of both the patient and their family, and performing various specialized tests.

If a patient is diagnosed, the psychiatrist will then develop a recovery plan to help manage or cure their condition.

Some disorders treated by a psychiatrist include:

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Bipolar disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Depression

• Traumatic brain disorder

• Eating disorders (i.e. bulimia, anorexia, etc.)

• Sleep disorders

While some may benefit from solely visiting a psychiatrist, others may experience greater improvement in their condition by utilizing additional wellness services. A psychiatrist may recommend alternative or complimentary therapies, depending on the disorder being treated and its severity. Those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, for example, may see greater improvements in their condition with the help of psychiatry and other treatments, such as acupuncture. Depending on the severity of his or her condition, a child challenged with autism could experience increased success by seeing a psychiatrist, as well as a chiropractor; they may also experience improvement in their symptoms and wellbeing by receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  A child who suffered from a mild concussion or traumatic brain disorder (TBI) while playing lacrosse, for example, could benefit from having both psychiatry and neurofeedback therapy incorporated into his or her treatment plan.

Each individual's condition is unique and as such, a treatment plan that is customizable to meet their goals and needs is ideal.  

Do you or your loved one suffer from a phyiscal, mental, emotional or behavioral disorder? Learn about the psychiatric services offered at the Northport Wellness Center.