Psychiatric treatment combines medical and psychological procedures for managing mental disorders. Adult psychiatric treatment usually applies to persons of legally responsible age or the age when a person is considered a consenting adult. Because it involves a number of age-sensitive judicial, social, medical and psychological factors, a distinction is made between adult treatment and treatment for children and adolescents.
We can help
We have the resources and outreach to help you with matters concerning psychiatric treatment. Phone us for immediate free advice.
What psychiatric treatment is
Adult psychiatric treatment comprises the psychological observation of patients in conjunction with medical examinations, brain scans and laboratory analyses. It is a specialist procedure aimed at identifying and treating mental disorders and concurrent physical health problems. In daily practice, it primarily results in treatment with psychoactive medication, such as antidepressants, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, anesthetics, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and stimulants.
What a psychiatrist does
Psychiatrists are required to complete medical, as well as psychological studies. This enables them to assess both the physical and mental states of patients. They can also evaluate the influences of any physical and mental comorbidities on each other, as well the potential interaction of the medications available for either condition, and implement any necessary adjustments. They are qualified to issue legal prescriptions for controlled medications.
Benefits of psychiatric treatment
Due to advances in technology and research, the diagnostic and treatment procedures of psychiatry, as well as the quality of psychoactive medications, have improved significantly over the past few decades. It is accepted as a proven remedy by all sectors of the medical and psychological health professions. Medication is particularly useful as a temporary solution when immediate hospitalisation or institutional care is not vital and may be too disruptive.
Psychiatry and psychology
Psychiatry and psychology both deal with mental health issues. Whilst psychology concentrates on cognitive thought intervention, psychiatry adds medical intervention to the process. Although either can be applied alone, the two are not opposites. In fact, they can be combined for better effect.
Adult psychiatric treatment processes must be separated from that of younger people, not only to protect the youth, but due to many other age-related issues. Older patients are exposed to different influences, have different expectations and more experience. Compatibility and logic dictates different treatment approaches.
Many psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation treatment centres provide combinations of psychiatric and psychological therapies. Some only facilitate residential in-patient programs, while others have out-patient options as well. Psychiatric practitioners may also offer both services in private consultation room settings.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists often operate independently, but maintain professional relationships and refer patients to and fro when they consider it appropriate. Some psychology-based treatment centres call on independent psychiatrists for assistance when needed. Often, independent psychiatrists have standing arrangements with such centres to visit them on particular days to attend to the medical needs of patients.
The most prevalent conditions presented for psychiatric treatment include acute short-term and chronic depression, anxiety, bipolar and other mood disorders, as well as eating, personality and obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, relationship problems and harmful substance use disorders.
Historically, the mental wellbeing of children exposed to trauma was, and often still are, neglected. As mature people they often display dysfunctions as a result of developmental maladaptations. Although their dysfunctions originate in childhood, they constitute a significant proportion of patients seeking adult psychiatric treatment.
Adult psychiatric treatment is acknowledged by all sectors of the health industry as an established, efficient and versatile solution for most victims of mental disorders and related substance use disorders. Thousands of patients benefit from it every year.
Reach for psychiatric help
In South Africa we have a choice selection of treatment services to meet any person’s specific needs, but it may be difficult to decide on the most suitable option, as there is no complete and reliable central database to consult.
If you need advice about psychiatric treatment, we invite you to phone us. We have the experience and network outreach to put you in touch with the optimum solution for your circumstances.
Disclaimer: Media publications about health matters are intended for broad public audiences. Individuals are required to consult a suitably qualified health professional for personal health advice.