There are many misconceptions when it comes to the profession of psychiatry and today I am going to discuss the 3 most common ones.
1. Psychiatrists will force you to take medication. Good psychiatrists do not force their patients to take medications. Each patient’s situation is different and therefore their treatment plan is unique as well. Again, a good psychiatrist will work together with you to find the right treatment for your situation.
2. Psychiatrists only treat crazy people. This is not the case. Most patients that see a psychiatrist have a genuine illness (much like diabetes with insulin and sugar). When that imbalance is corrected, they are no longer ill. Another reason people seek help from a psychiatrist is because of another illness that may cause mental health issues. For example, an adult diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder may experience severe anxiety as a result of Autism. A psychiatrist can help this patient manage and treat mental health issues that may arise from a specific condition.
3. Psychiatrists don’t provide ‘talk therapy’ or psychotherapy. Many psychiatrists including our doctors at CPCH provide talk therapy as part of our services and treatment plan. Talk therapy can be very effective and it enhances treatment plans that involve medication management.
The take away here is to understand that psychiatrists provide a variety of treatment options and isn’t just about prescriptions and disorders. It is much more than that.
Good quality psychiatrists will take a good look at the entire picture and work together with you or your loved one to create a treatment plan that feels right.
Please share a flare above and help others understand the truth about Psychiatry. Thank you. We greatly appreciate it.
Live Mentally Healthy,
Cognitive Psychiatry of Chapel Hill