Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that focuses on treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavior disorders. Unlike psychologists and psychotherapists, Psychiatrists are MD’s and have a license to prescribe medications as well as conduct psychotherapy.

Most medications that are used by psychiatrists are used similar to medications that treat diabetes or high blood pressure. After a psychiatrist completes a thorough evaluation your psychiatrists may prescribe medication to help you with your condition. Psychiatric medications, with the help of psychotherapy, may help correct imbalances in brain chemistry that are thought to be involved in some mental disorders.

Class of Medications Used:

  • Antidepressants – used to treat depression, panic disorder, PTSD, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder and eating disorders.

  • Antipsychotic medications – used to treat psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.

  • Sedatives and anxiolytics – used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

  • Hypnotics – used to induce and maintain sleep.

  • Mood stabilizers – used to treat bipolar disorder.

  • Stimulants – used to treat ADHD.