Mental Disorder Treatment Specialist Q&A

When you visit our clinic to be diagnosed with a mental illness, we will first give you a complete physical exam. Some physical problems can affect mental health, and treating those can completely resolve your problem. Next, we will do a series of lab tests to check on various functions of your body, like your thyroid. We will also screen for drugs and alcohol, which can significantly impact mental health.

Next, our providers will give you a psychological evaluation. A mental health professional will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and behavioral patterns. We may also have you answer a series of questions in advance for our providers to examine and review with you.

Figuring out which mental illness you may have can take time, as each individual’s experience is unique. The first step is gathering as much information as possible through a detailed assessment. This includes discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any recent stressors. Open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is essential to this process.

Once all the information is collected, our providers can begin the diagnostic process. Using established criteria and tools, they will evaluate your symptoms to identify the most likely condition. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and allows for personalized treatment options to best support your mental health and well-being.

Neurodevelopmental disorders – This class covers a wide range of issues that generally begin during childhood or just before the start of school. Things like ADHD or learning disorders would fall into this category.

Depressive disorders – These disorders interfere with how you feel emotionally. They can disrupt your ability to function by affecting how happy or sad you feel.

Anxiety disorders – Excessive worrying or being focused continuously on possible future danger is usually labeled as anxiety. It may cause the person to avoid situations that cause anxiety completely.

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders – Hoarding, hair pulling, and OCD are all related to this class of mental health concerns. They are denoted by repetitive actions, thoughts, obsessions, and preoccupations.

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders – This area of mental illness involves a person who is having trouble coping after a significant stressful life event. This would include those who have PTSD.

Medications can play a significant role in improving the symptoms of mental health conditions, but it’s important to understand that they do not cure mental illness, unless it’s linked to an underlying illness or disease. Instead, medications are primarily designed to help manage symptoms, making it easier for individuals to cope with daily life and improve their overall quality of life. For many people, medications can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms, helping them feel more in control and stable.

In addition to symptom management, medications can also make other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy, more effective. By alleviating some of the more intense symptoms, medications create a more conducive environment for therapeutic work. The choice of medication will depend on your specific diagnosis, the nature of your mental illness, and how your body responds to the treatment. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage, as different medications work differently for each individual. Patience and close communication with your healthcare provider are key in finding the most effective treatment plan.

At Success Health System LLC, we believe in a holistic approach that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support to help you achieve long-term well-being. We work closely with you to monitor your progress, adjust treatments when necessary, and ensure that all aspects of your mental health are being addressed. 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.