Psychiatric Disorder Treatment

What are psychiatric disorders?

Psychiatric disorders are mental health conditions that impairs a person’s ability to function, often causing significant distress. Symptoms may include changes in personality, mood, social interaction, personal habits, behaviour, and emotions.

The causes of psychiatric disorders are often unknown or unclear. While neurological diseases (like epilepsy or dementia) often have clear pathophysiology, psychiatric disorders are more subtle and complicated.

Psychiatric disorders commonly include (but are not limited to):

– Anxiety disorders (such as generalised anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder).

– Depressive disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder).

– Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia).

– Substance abuse and addiction.

– Eating disorders (such as bulimia or anorexia).

What symptoms do psychiatric disorders present with?

Psychiatric disorders cause a number of different symptoms. Below is a list of some symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders. These may differ among patients.

• Excessive worry
• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Continuous feeling of unease
• Low mood
• A loss of interest in activities the patient normally enjoys
• Poor appetite
• Sleeping too much/too little
• Thoughts of harming themselves or of suicide
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized speech and thinking

When should you or your loved one see a psychiatrist for psychiatric disorder treatment?

If you notice yourself or a loved one experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they may need to see a specialist known as a psychiatrist. This can often be scary for some patients, but it is important to remember that seeking help is the first step to recovery. 1 Our team of dedicated psychiatrists have years of experience treating such disorders and getting people back on their feet. They will accompany you, or your loved on, on this journey through diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care and management.

Did you know?

The term “psychiatry” was first coined in 1808 by the German professor, Professor John Christain Reil. It comes from the Greek words “psyche” meaning soul or mind, and “iatros”, meaning physician.

How do I maintain or improve my mental health after psychiatric disorder treatment?

Planning ahead is part of psychiatric treatment, and patients are encouraged to be prepared for after their therapy is finished. If the patient is undergoing psychotherapy then most therapists will work with their patients to create a “remission plan” that should guide the patient into maintaining their new healthier mental state after counselling. If the patient has been put on a drug therapy (for example, antidepressants) by the psychiatrist then the specialist will discuss a plan for coming off the drugs when symptoms fully resolve.

It is important to note that many drug treatments do not work straight away but have a cumulative effect, working over many months. The same applies when coming off these drugs. One cannot simply remove the drug but instead will need to slowly decrease the amount they are taking, making sure no symptoms reappear as they do so. This can be done with the specialist guidance of our psychiatrists.

Lifestyle changes may be necessary too, to ensure that the patient is in good general health. Diet, nutrition, regular sport and activity, and a healthy sleep routine are all essential to create a healthy context for continued recovery.

What facilities and practices do our psychiatrists apply to psychiatric disorder treatment?

All specialists at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre are very experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders. Their approach is patient-centered, designed to create a safe environment for patients and their families. With access to world-class facilities, our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our psychiatric disorder patients.

We have a wide range of specialists who practice different techniques, meaning that there is bound to be the right specialist for you. Click here to find out more about the individual specialists and services they provide.

[1] Chong SA, Abdin E, Vaingankar JA, Kwok KW, Subramaniam M. Where do people with mental disorders in Singapore go to for help? Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2012;41(4):154-60.