Psychiatric medication management remains a lifeline for many people struggling with mental health challenges and mood disorders. The mental health professionals at Pacific Clinics want to help you choose the right treatment plan.
More About Psychiatry From Pacific Clinics
After evaluating your medical history and delivering a diagnosis, your psychiatrist may suggest medications to reduce symptoms of the mental health condition. Then, as you begin a treatment plan that involves psychiatric care and medication, you may notice a positive change within a few days or weeks. However, don’t worry if it takes a few months to feel like there are real improvements happening.
Always follow your psychiatrist’s instructions and take your medications consistently to avoid side effects such as:
- Restlessness;
- Dizziness;
- Mood swings;
- Fatigue; and
- Sleep disruptions.
Also, let your psychiatrist know of any side effects that bother you or persist beyond a few weeks.
Psychiatry focuses on diagnosing and treating various emotional, mental and behavioral disorders. So, psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health, including its interactions with family history, genetics, substance use and other factors.
Types of Medications a Psychiatrist Can Prescribe
Your psychiatrist will always disclose possible side effects and discuss various treatment options.
Different medications could improve your well-being and quality of life, including the following:
- Antidepressants treat depression, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating disorders and more.
- Sedatives and anxiolytics treat insomnia and anxiety.
- Antipsychotic medications treat symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
- Hypnotics induce sleep and improve sleep quality.
- Stimulants treat ADHD.
- Mood stabilizers treat bipolar disorder management.
Mental Health Professionals Utilize Medications In Myriad Ways
Prescribed psychiatric medications vary. For example, antidepressants relieve depression and anxiety by influencing serotonin and dopamine, the chemical messengers that regulate moods.
However, despite common misconceptions, psychiatrists do more than prescribe medications. For example, a holistic approach to treatment may include leveraging psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy for mental and emotional support, in addition to medications.
Why Opt for Psychiatric Medication Management?
If you’re hesitating to schedule a session with a psychiatrist, it may be that you attach a stigma to mental health challenges.
However, like chronic physical conditions, mental and emotional disorders can benefit from the right medications. It could even improve your quality of life, reduce symptoms of mental or behavioral disorders and help you work or study.
Improving your responsiveness to other types of therapies also helps. For instance, medication could help you benefit more from individual therapy, counseling or CBT.
Psychiatric medications also play a major role in suicide prevention.
Reach Out to Pacific Clinics for Supportive Mental Health Services
Are you struggling with a mental health challenge like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder? Please reach out to Pacific Clinics’ caring team! We can connect you with the right psychiatric medication management program and get you the help you need.
