Psychiatry in Kennesaw, GA
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry. These individuals use their experience and training to evaluate and treat mental disorders, such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and behavioral health problems.
Since psychiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders, psychiatrists are experts in the connection between our behaviors and our neurochemistry—that is, they have studied in medical school the specific areas in the brain that control our thoughts, reactions, and behaviors, and they can help determine the biological factors in the brain that contribute to mental disorders.
For example, before a diagnosis of depression is determined, a psychiatrist will check to make sure there isn’t a medical cause, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid issue. A psychiatrist will also want to know if a client is currently taking any medication or has any allergic reactions to medication. A psychiatrist can make a diagnosis and recommend medication that aims to treat biological factors.
If you are looking for psychiatry in Kennesaw, GA, consider scheduling an appointment with an online psychiatrist at Thriveworks. You can schedule your appointment at the Thriveworks office in Kennesaw today and meet with a psychiatrist virtually within 24-48 hours.
What Conditions Can Psychiatrists Treat?
Psychiatrists treat various mental health conditions and disorders, which are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a handbook used by health care professionals worldwide as the authoritative guide to the diagnoses of mental disorders.
Some psychiatrists also specialize in their care. For example, they may specialize in geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry.
Let’s explore a couple of mental disorders a psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA can help treat:
- Depression: this is a common mental disorder that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, affects over 17 million U.S. adults. Depression is marked by persistent sadness, loss of pleasure in things normally enjoyed, diminished ability to concentrate and make decisions, persistent fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, among other symptoms. After evaluating a client, a psychiatrist might recommend one or more forms of psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) in addition to medication, such as an antidepressant.
- Anxiety: another common disorder, anxiety involves unexplained panic, fear, or phobias that occur in certain situations or are the result of one or more triggers. For example, someone may become panicked at the thought of giving a speech or presentation. A psychiatrist will work to identify the medical factors that contribute to the anxiety symptoms and provide treatment plans to address them.
- Bipolar disorder: this disorder can cause unusual shifts in mood, concentration, energy, activity, and the ability to manage daily living. A person with this disorder may be energized and elated at one point in the day and then dramatically shift to sadness, hopelessness, or indifference at another point in the day. In this case, a psychiatrist might prescribe an antipsychotic as part of a medication management plan. This class of medication helps regulate the functioning of brain circuits that control mood, thinking, and perception.
Should I See a Psychiatrist?
There are many reasons why you might want to seek help from a psychiatrist. Each individual’s reason will vary, but listed below are some factors to consider:
- Mental illness symptoms such as stress, anxiety, hallucinations, depressive thoughts, memory problems, or difficulty regulating emotions
- Addictive behaviors (e.g., drugs, alcohol, gambling)
- A change to your medication treatment
- Low self-esteem or concerns about your body image
- Violence or aggressive behaviors (e.g. toward yourself or others)
- Life seems overwhelming and you’re feeling hopeless
- You are a victim of abuse (e.g., psychological, physical, or sexual)
- You’re seeking professional counseling or therapy
A psychiatrist can administer a physical along with a range of laboratory and psychological tests that can help assess your mental state.
These tests, combined with a honed clinical understanding of all the many complexities involved in treating mental illnesses, helps psychiatrists address clients’ needs and develop a psychiatric care plan based on those needs.
What Should I Know If I Start Medication?
As discussed above, your psychiatrist will review any current medications you may be taking as well as your medical history before starting any new medication. The psychiatrist will also discuss any possible side effects of the medication.
Additionally, you will receive information instructing you when to take your medication, whether or not it has to be taken with food or water, and the prescribed dose. Besides treating your condition, it’s important that any medication you are prescribed is taken safely.
Scheduling An Appointment with a Psychiatrist at Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA,
If you think you could benefit from talking with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, or you think medication, therapy, or a combination of the two could help, then consider Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA. We have psychiatrists who are here for you and want to help you live a happy and successful life.
Better yet, our psychiatrists can conduct the majority of your appointments online. You may have to come into the office on occasion for an assessment or check-up, but otherwise, your psychiatrist will be happy to help you over the phone or video chat.
Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA, also has many benefits to offer you, including convenient scheduling by phone or online and same- or next-day appointments. We also accept most forms of insurance.
Our scheduling specialists are standing by to help you find an online psychiatrist and thrive.
