Psychiatrist for Mental Disorders in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO

The most qualified type of professional to treat mental illnesses is a psychiatrist. This professional is an MD who can prescribe medication and provide the highest level of mental health care with services like psychotherapy. Generally, a psychiatrist is board-certified.

You can see a psychologist about some mental health issues, but this professional has only a Ph.D. or PsyD degree and isn’t able to provide prescriptions for conditions like bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia which often require medication. Also, the therapy a psychologist practices tends to focus on just behavior, whereas the therapy a psychiatrist practices focuses on behavior, biology, neurochemistry, psychosocial history, and more. This means a psychiatrist is able to provide more comprehensive care for mental health illnesses.

It’s commonly said that there are 5 major categories of psychiatric disorders. These are:

• Anxiety disorders – Bouts of fear about things like public speaking, job interviews, etc., or just general anxiety about everyday things (Examples are panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others)
• Mood disorders – Sustained and severe feelings of sadness, irritability, etc. (Depression, bipolar disorder, and others)
• Dementia – A disruption of consciousness and changes in cognitive health (Alzheimer’s disease, substance-induced dementia, and others)
• Eating disorders – Chronic and possibly life-threatening conditions that involve distressing/obsessive thoughts and behaviors about food/self-image (Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and others)
• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders – Significant changes and disruptions in cognitive and emotional function

These disorders may need to be treated professionally. With eating disorders, professional treatment may be vital. And even with anxiety, professional treatment may be necessary.

There is research that suggests anxiety in different cases has similar causes. An example is people with anxiety generally being easily overwhelmed by emotion and having a very negative reaction to the feeling. A psychiatrist knows how to help patients cope more effectively and healthily. Some medications may help some patients too, but generally, the best initial treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of therapy is actually proven to work. A patient of cognitive-behavioral therapy will learn to identify and manage the thoughts, processes, and behaviors that lead to anxiety. In some cases of anxiety, group psychotherapy can help or be complementary to other treatments.

Psychiatrists manage long-term mental health conditions by creating personalized treatment plans that typically include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Regular follow-up appointments allow psychiatrists to assess the progress of the treatment and make necessary adjustments to ensure its effectiveness. Medications are carefully prescribed and monitored to help manage symptoms, prevent relapses, and improve the patient’s overall well-being. Therapy options are often included to help patients develop coping strategies and healthier thought patterns.

In addition to treatment, psychiatrists educate patients about their mental health condition, helping them understand their symptoms and how to manage them effectively over time. Long-term care often involves collaboration with other healthcare providers, including primary care physicians and social workers, to address any additional health concerns. Psychiatrists offer ongoing support, adjusting treatment as needed, and working to help patients achieve greater stability and improve their overall mental health.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, Overland MO, Bridgeton MO, Independence MO, Raytown MO, Kansas City MO, Columbia MO, Shaw MO, Midway MO and surrounding areas.