While people in Salt Lake City understand the urgent need to see a medical doctor when there is a health emergency, they may not make the same connection when they are struggling with emotional, behavioral or mental health problems.
With the help of psychiatry, which is the medical approach to diagnosing, treating and preventing mental health disorders, people can find the health care services and the long-term support they need. Unfortunately, when patients don’t seek help from a professional, mental health disorders often become significantly worse. They may even begin to impact the individual’s quality of life, relationships and ability to feel good about themselves and the world around them.
Too often, people assume that a psychiatric disorder is not really a medical disorder. In fact, the study of psychiatry has clearly demonstrated that many mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and even addiction can be effectively treated with medications in combination with other therapeutic interventions.
The Benefits of Psychiatry
Mental health issues can be the result of an imbalance of various important neurotransmitters in the brain, specific brain chemicals which can influence our mood, focus, sleep, and even weight. When the brain doesn’t function properly, a person can experience unpleasant changes in emotions, behaviors, thoughts and functioning.
To correct these issues, a psychiatrist will conduct a full assessment to determine if there are any chemical imbalances that are causing those emotional and behavior changes. If deemed appropriate, they may prescribe specific medications to alter the chemicals in the brain, and subsequently the functioning of the neurotransmitters, in order to help to restore balance. The patient is also encouraged to participate in therapy and other treatment options to help to develop effective coping strategies, deal with daily stressors, and become educated about managing their mental health condition.
Not every person in Salt Lake City with a mental health condition will require medication. However, through science and research, more effective medications are available that can be used both short and long term, allowing psychiatrists and patients to work together to treat and manage mental health conditions so that patients can enjoy a better quality of life.
