Psychiatric Consultation

Psychiatry Consultation: An Overview, benefits and expected outcome

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A psychiatry consultation is an appointment with a psychiatrist to obtain a medical opinion on the mental condition as well as understanding the impact of various emotional, psychological, biological, interpersonal and social aspects on mental wellbeing. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health, emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions. They can diagnose and treat these conditions.

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At the end of a psychiatric consultation, the patient or his family will be given a differential diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and practical advice on how to (a) manage the patient’s symptoms and (b) deal with the patient’s condition in the long run. The process starts with the first meeting which targets at discussing the immediate concerns and starting some treatment, either medication or therapy. At first consultation a differential diagnosis will give patients and their families an insight as to the possible sources of the problem, which could be due to biological, psychological, or social factors.

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The first consultation is followed by further meetings for detailed assessments, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, medication monitoring, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy. 

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With a committed team of highly qualified Psychiatrist and Psychologists, at Dr Tina Gupta’s Clinic  in Delhi, we offer evidence-based and effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Our commitment is to support you through a comprehensive approach. By providing the best in psychiatric intervention, we work hard to ensure you receive the best mental health care possible.

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Psychiatrist Consultation and treatment as compared to Medical Consultation

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Reasons for seeking a Psychiatrist Consultation

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A Psychiatrist consultation can be taken for various emotional, psychological, relationship related problems that are impacting the daily functioning.

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Some reasons for adults seeking a psychiatrist opinion-

Changes in mood

Acute or Chronic Feelings of depression, despair, disillusionment, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness

Suicidal thoughts, Self Harm attempts

Anxiety, Fears, Phobias

Intrusive sticky thoughts, negative thoughts

Fear of illness, disease, death

Social anxiety

Hearing of voices, hallucinations

Delusions, distorted thinking

Behavior changes- social withdrawal, emotional apathy

Emotional hypersensitivity

Anger, aggression, violence

Crying spells, lack of emotional regulation

Poor Attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity

Executive functions

Sleep disturbance

Chronic pains, weakness, fatigue, lethargy

Overtalkativeness, high mood, labile mood

Eating disorders

Grief Trauma and loss

Substance abuse- alcohol, weed, heroin and other addictions

 

Some reasons for couples seeking a psychiatrist opinion-

Relationship problems

Sexual dysfunctions

Family discord

 

Some reasons for children seeking a psychiatrist opinion-

Developmental delays

Autism

Speech delay

Learning problems at school

Behavior problems at school

Anger

Anxiety

ADHD

Poor school performance

 

Some reasons for women in reproductive age seeking a psychiatrist opinion-

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Premenstrual mood changes

Pregnancy and psychiatric conditions  

Post Partum and psychiatric conditions

Breastfeeding and psychiatric conditions

 

 

The first Contact- The difference between a Psychiatrist, Neurologist, Therapist and Psychologist

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A psychiatrist, neurologist, psychologist and therapist  have different trainings and role in helping people with mental health issues. Psychiatrists and psychologists both help people with mental health issues, but they differ in their education, training, and the scope of their practice. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who study medicine, while psychologists are doctoral-level professionals who study mental health. In India to practice as a Psychiatrist one has to complete medical school MBBS, a residency in Psychiatry, and apply for a medical license. This can take about 12 years. To work as a psychologist complete undergraduate work, a master's degree, and a doctoral degree ( MA/ MPhil/ PhD/ PsyD). This can take between five to seven years, Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and can prescribe medication while psychologists cannot prescribe medicines. They also understand how physical and mental health affect each other.

 

Therapists or Counselors usually have masters degree and certifications. Psychologists have greater in depth knowledge about the science, academic literature, and research about psychology as a basis for treatment. While therapists carry strong theoretical background to help people cope with systemic difficulties at school, work, family etc. They may use therapeutic techniques like talk therapy, and can help with a range of issues depending on their experience and training.

 

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the brain and nervous system. They can use diagnostic tests to identify and manage conditions like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Neurologists and Psychiatrists are medical doctors who work in liaison.  

 

When to seek help

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Making the decision to seek psychiatrist consult can sometimes be a very overwhelming and daunting task. The very nature of some mental health conditions produces a lack of motivation, helplessness, difficulty to take decisions, procrastination and a lack of insight, all these lead to delay in stepping out to take the first appointment for a better mental health. While statistics show a much larger number of persons need menta health supports and much smaller percentage of people actually take support. The first meeting with a psychiatrist can be very anxiety provoking but it is also a necessary and brave decision. The beginning of psychiatric treatment can bring major life change. The right time to seek Psychiatrist Consultation is at the earliest after onset of disturbance. Unfortunately many people delay due to confusions such as being unable to decide when to meet a psychiatrist, whether they should meet a psychiatrist or a psychologist, fears and myths related to being labelled with a mental illness, fears and myths about medicines, or general advise from friends and family that changes are commonplace and can improve only with yoga or exercise. We suggest that atleast take one single consultation to decide whether you require a mental health service or not.  

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What happens in your first Psychiatric Consultation

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It is absolutely normal to feel apprehensions about talking to a psychiatrist for the first time. Here we will explain the entire process of the initial psychiatric consultation and the online psychiatrist sessions. First do not let your first appointment jitters force you to postpone or cancel not showing up for your consultation appointment. When you booked an appointment, a part of you understood that you need some help. A large number of people waste decades avoiding a psychiatrist consultation thereby worsening their chance to  mental health. A psychiatrist is a doctor trained in mental health who can help all age groups and all kinds of emotional, psychological and behavioral problems. Prepare yourself for your first appointment. Make notes of what you wish to discuss. It is also important to be very clear of the duration of your consultation as psychiatrists see appointments by fixed time slots. At Dr Tina Gupta’s Psychiatric clinic in Delhi we encourage patients to clarify the length of time they want to book slots for their issues. A complex crisis situation or a parent child session would need atleast 30 minutes to 60 minutes consultation slots. On the other hand a routine medication renewal prescription visit in an otherwise stable patient will only need a routine 15 minutes slot. Hence, enquire at the clinic and book your slot duration accordingly. The first visit is not the last visit, hence trust the process. The psychiatrist is an expert at making a diagnosis and determining according to your symptoms whether you need immediate medication or only talk therapy. Many a times, patients are google informed and come with a self diagnosis and feel uneasy with a different opinion. We suggest that – you should trust the process. Many a times psychiatrist prescribe medications in the first visit even before doing any assessments as they have years of expertise in diagnosis. Trust your psychiatrists opinion and take medications if advised. Healing and recovery takes a longer time. You will be called for medication reviews or psychotherapy sessions at regular intervals. A good psychiatrist and patient relationship can help in better results of treatment.  

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What NOT to expect in your first psychiatric consultation

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Online Consultations versus OPD Clinic Consultations

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Psychiatric Medication