The Role of Psychiatry in Treating Anxiety and Depression
Today, roughly 18% of American adults have symptoms of anxiety disorders, while 21% have symptoms of depression. As the number of people suffering from these mental health issues increases, so too does the need for professional psychiatric treatment.
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals trained in treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. When panic attacks and symptoms become overwhelming, psychiatrists are here to help. Learn how their unique combination of prescription medications, talk therapy, and other medical treatments can help you find relief from your symptoms.
Why Psychiatry Matters in Mental Health Treatment
Whether you’re grappling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, psychiatrists have the expertise you need. Psychiatry is a mental health–related field of medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating mental disorders, but goes further than talk therapy. Unlike therapists, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications on top of their therapeutic treatments. This combination makes them uniquely equipped to treat depression and severe anxiety disorders.
Typically, working with a psychiatrist involves:
- Proper diagnosis
- Personalized therapies
- Medication management
After your psychiatrist uses their experience and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5)—published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)—to provide an accurate diagnosis, they’ll then develop a personalized treatment plan.
What Are Psychiatrists Qualified to Treat?
Psychiatrists backed in the appropriate research or clinical practice can treat a wide variety of mood and anxiety disorders, providing personalized treatment plans for each patient. For example:
Common Anxiety Disorders Treated by Psychiatrists
Anxiety disorders are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health challenges, and come in a variety of forms that impact both mental and physical health. Most psychiatrists work with these disorders regularly, but you can also reach out to a specialist if you’re already aware of your diagnosis.
Here are some examples of anxiety disorders treated by psychiatrists:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by constant anxiety symptoms like worry and tension, often without a specific cause.
- Panic Disorder: Defined by repeated panic attacks that may come with physical symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Identified by anxiety related to social situations, often leading to isolation and avoidance.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Highlighted by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that disrupt daily functioning.
Common Mood Disorders Psychiatrists Treat
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is classified as a mood disorder by the DSM-5, but there are other depression and non-depression-related mood disorders psychiatrists can treat. These mental health issues are all characterized by periods of sadness, hopelessness, and changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
Examples include:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty functioning day-to-day.
- Bipolar Disorder: Defined by intense mood swings, including distinct periods of mania and depression.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Though less severe than MDD, PDD is noted for being a long-term depression that lasts years at a time.
Understanding Psychiatric Treatment Plans For Depression & Anxiety Disorders
Addressing the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety and depression requires subject mastery and careful personalization. Luckily, psychiatrists have the mental illness expertise needed to develop customized treatment plans. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, treatments are comprehensive and flexible, adapting to each patient’s mental health problems and family history.
In fact, psychiatrists often use a combination of approaches, including:
- Prescribing Medication: As experts in mental health medication, psychiatrists can choose the best antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medication based on your unique health history and diagnosis.
- Talk Therapy: Based on your diagnosis, your psychiatrist will choose various evidence-based therapy methods to compliment your prescriptions. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques can help patients build coping strategies.
- Ongoing Support: Regular meetings with your psychiatrist allow you to monitor your sleep patterns, physical symptoms or side effects, and your progress over time. These check-ins make it easier to adjust treatments as needed.
- Other Medical Treatments: When appropriate, psychiatrists may recommend additional treatments like Psychotherapy or Neurofeedback, which can both act as vital supplements to a person’s mental health plan.
Want to learn more about how psychiatrists can treat either depression or anxiety specifically? Read on to learn more:
How a Psychiatrist Can Help You Treat Anxiety Disorders
Psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to treat anxiety because they combine medical treatment with behavioral therapies. Regardless of your diagnosis, treatment options for anxiety may include:
- Prescribing short and long-term anti-anxiety medication or SSRIs used to treat persistent anxiety symptoms.
- Using CBT and other therapy techniques to reframe anxious thoughts and minimize excessive stress responses.
- Monitoring and treating related conditions—such as insomnia or eating disorders—which are regularly associated with anxiety.
With this personalized support, psychiatrists help patients break the cycle of fear and avoidance. Return to a healthier daily routine marked by casual relaxation and enjoyment, rather than constant fight or flight responses.
How a Psychiatrist Can Help You Treat Depression
After you receive a proper diagnosis, your psychiatrist will work with you to develop a depression treatment that addresses both the emotional and physical causes of the disorder. Treatment plans may involve:
- Prescribing antidepressant medications or mood stabilizers, tailored to your unique brain chemistry.
- Talk therapy, such as CBT, to address negative thought patterns and improve coping skills.
- Long-term support and health monitoring for depression symptoms—including those related to sleep patterns, appetite, and medical illnesses—to effectively tweak treatment plans.
By combining therapeutic and medical treatments for depression, psychiatrists provide patients with mental and physical tools they need to start feeling better.
Should I Seek Psychiatric Treatment For Depression and Anxiety?
Did you know that 75% of people who reach out to a psychiatrist see some kind of benefit after 6 months? If your depression or anxiety is interfering with your daily life, reaching out to a mental health provider is the first step. We always recommend seeking help if you experience:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or severe anxiety
- Frequent panic attacks or distressing anxiety symptoms
- Disrupted or irregular sleep patterns
- Negative physical symptoms without a clear medical cause
- Difficulty managing relationships, your career, or academic performance
- Family history of mental disorders or other mental health conditions
Start Treating Mental Health Conditions Like Depression and Anxiety Today!
At Family Psychological Services, our psychiatrists are fully licensed to treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. With evidence-based psychological testing, talk therapy, and medication management, we can create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique diagnosis, medical history, and goals. With us, your journey is always safe, constructive, and backed by the latest research.
Contact us today to start your journey toward long-term relief from anxiety and depression. Whether you have questions about our services or are ready to schedule an appointment, we look forward to connecting with you.
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