The processes in the body of each person are divided into two types: material and mental. The first occurs in the organs, and the second affects the brain activity. Their correction is engaged in psychiatry. Its objectives are as follows: to find out the cause of the disease, phobia or mental deviation from the norm, and also to prescribe therapy that is appropriate for the particular case. In addition to their professional activities, psychiatrists participate in many social programs that are aimed at preventing mental disorders.
More about activities
A psychiatrist is a difficult profession. Otherwise, he can be called a healer of souls. He is engaged in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the human psyche. Such a specialist should be able to not only correctly diagnose, but also take the necessary measures to treat the disease. A psychiatrist can also have a narrow line of activity - a narcologist, sexologist, etc.
In this area, drug therapy is used to treat patients. In this case, a number of drugs are prescribed, a specific course is drawn up, according to which they should be taken. Medication is supplemented by psychotherapy, during which the doctor finds out the cause of the disease and selects the appropriate method for resolving the problems. Conversations with the patient are constantly held, moral support is provided.
Expert in narcology
A psychiatrist-narcologist is a specialist who is able to identify, treat and rehabilitate patients with drug addiction, alcoholism and substance abuse. He studies the consequences of exposure to substances hazardous to the psyche, and he treats his patients.
When to contact a narcologist
They come to this doctor if, due to the intake of certain substances, coordination of movements is impaired, there is a significant disorder in thinking and speech, and normal human behavior has changed dramatically. A narcologist (psychiatrist) is a doctor who determines the drugs and their dosage, which is necessary for treatment.
The main types of diagnosis: Rh-graph of the chest, ultrasound of the abdomen, ECG and EEG, thermocatalytic method, Rappoport test, indicator tubes, immunochromatographic analysis.
People themselves provoke problems, wanting to enjoy, relax or get away from life's difficulties. After the first or second injection of a drug, a person can stop experimenting with his own health. If he continues, then the chances of not becoming addicted are reduced exponentially. Such people are engaged in narcologist. He takes them out of a state of addiction and fights breaking.
Special direction
A child psychiatrist is a person who deals with diseases related to the psyche of babies and adolescents. It reveals various deviations, which may even not be so pronounced or even hidden.
His competence includes the issuance of referrals to a special kindergarten or school, transfer to individual training programs, if necessary, exemption from exams, and for adolescents from military service. Also, a child psychiatrist takes part in the process of disability registration.
Diseases
The psychiatrist deals with the following diseases and problems of a person:
- overweight;
- suicidal tendencies;
- phobias;
- schizophrenia;
- delirium tremens;
- bulimia and anorexia;
- hysterical seizures;
- senile dementia;
- Depression, anxiety
- neurosis, neurotic disorders, obsessive states;
- epilepsy and a number of conditions that are characterized by similar attacks;
- diseases and disorders of the psychopathic and neuropsychiatric areas;
- psychological stresses and their consequences;
- deadlock everyday problems.
In addition to the above, a psychiatrist-narcologist is also involved in:
- alcohol and tobacco addiction;
- drug addiction and substance abuse;
- gambling addiction.
A child psychiatrist (in addition to the main functions) is engaged in the treatment of a number of psychosomatic ailments:
- asthma
- diabetes
- thyroid disease;
- ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, etc.
Specialist Activities
The sooner the disease can be recognized, the faster and easier it is to cure it. But with mental disorders , patients usually turn to a doctor at a late stage, and this is often associated with public prejudice. In Russia, many have prejudices regarding “healers of souls”. Sometimes people find it stupid or even shameful to turn to a psychologist or psychiatrist, hoping that everything will go away by itself, and fearing that others will laugh at them. In Europe and America, such a problem does not exist; on the contrary, it is even fashionable to have a personal psychologist. Due to the aforementioned prejudices, in most cases, earlier detection of diseases in adults becomes impossible.
Some believe that each person should restore peace of mind independently, as well as cope with their phobias and fears. But this is far from the case. A psychiatrist will be able to prevent the development of a nervous breakdown, help to find peace of mind. It operates according to special techniques that have been developed by leading experts for a long time.
And often an unprepared person harms himself with independent treatment. Therefore, the sooner you turn to a psychologist or psychiatrist with problems and fears, the faster it will be possible to find peace of mind and peace.
Troubling signs
A neglected disease will be much more difficult to cure if you do not consult a specialist on time. There are certain symptoms in which you need to go to a psychiatrist, for example, in the following cases:
- any conditions that spontaneously arise or continue for a long time, which are accompanied by melancholy, anxiety, fears, depression, emotional discomfort, anxiety and apathy;
- prolonged longing after the loss of loved ones (prolonged grief reaction);
- various pain that cannot be cured by other doctors (these include migraines, headaches that occur “out of nothing” after injuries or surgeries affecting the brain);
- obsessive states (thoughts, experiences, suicidal intentions, images, fears) or fear of objects and situations;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular diseases, problems with the functioning of the nervous system (fainting, weather dependence, long periods of low or high body temperature);
- conditions when the ability to work decreases, there is increased fatigue and irritability, negative experiences;
- loss of self-control, excessive touchiness or anger;
- increased conflict, vulnerability and sensitivity;
- causeless preoccupation with one's own health;
- sleep disturbances (increased need for it or insomnia) and memory;
- difficulty concentrating;
- forgetfulness;
- overeating, a sharp increase in body weight;
- conditions after operations;
- constant guilt;
- loss of ability to experience feelings (any);
- passivity;
- dispersed attention;
- slowness of thinking;
- protracted pessimism.
Separately, schizophrenia must be identified. As patients explain, they have a state of falling into the void - without thoughts and feelings. Often comes the feeling that the patient is threatened, someone controls his behavior, he feels a sense of helplessness. With this disease, it is precisely mental perception that is violated, a person begins to look differently at the world around him. Some phenomena acquire special significance for him. Often such people are aggressive, so the intervention of a psychiatrist is extremely necessary. And single sessions can not do here. Such patients are observed throughout life, since schizophrenia is practically incurable. Sometimes hallucinations (mild stage of the disease) can be suppressed by taking special medications, but if you stop using them, then the symptoms will return.
Bulimia has not only psychological, but also somatic development, and is accompanied by a concentration of attention of the patient on his weight. He has an obsession with speedy weight loss. Sometimes patients simply exhaust themselves by starvation. In world practice, there are many cases when women brought themselves to dystrophy.
Suicidal patients are very dangerous. And in this case, a psychiatrist is urgently needed. Especially with impulsive attempts by patients to end their lives.
The most common diseases that require specialist intervention
One particular problem is depression, which can be caused by various causes. This is not just a bad mood, but a disease, and quite serious, with clinical manifestations. Most often it appears seasonally.
The main symptoms: sadness, depression, depression, loss of interest in everything, a decrease in energy, leading to high fatigue and less activity. This also includes low self-esteem, constant self-flagellation, any actions that are associated with self-abasement. Often, sexual desire decreases and appetite is disturbed. Excessive fussiness or, conversely, inhibition is possible.
Typically, depressive conditions worsen in the morning, and in the evening there is an improvement. If they last more than two consecutive weeks, then this is a disease.
Apathy - a complete lack of interest in anything. Sometimes it can reach the point where a person stops serving himself and can die of starvation while lying on the couch at home.
Common problems also include stress, which often occurs amid hard work or constant fatigue.
Signs of a mental illness
There are a number of factors upon detection of which you must make an appointment with a psychiatrist:
- a significant change in personal qualities;
- inability to cope with their problems or daily affairs on their own;
- strange or unrealistic ideas;
- excessive anxiety;
- prolonged apathy or decreased mood;
- significant changes in sleep and eating patterns;
- conversations or thoughts of suicide;
- a sharp change of mood, causeless anger;
- drug and alcohol abuse;
- hostility and aggressiveness to people or objects.
Treatment duration
Each person is individual, so the treatment time is not easy to determine. Several sessions will help one, while others need months. Psychoanalysis in general can last for years.
Patients usually do not come to a psychiatrist by their own will. Most often, relatives are involved in their hospitalization, or this happens by force. Do not confuse a psychologist and a psychiatrist, since people with minor disorders of the nervous system who behave appropriately are recorded to the former, and to the latter, on the contrary, with a seriously disturbed psyche.
The first appointment with a specialist
This is a very difficult job. The psychiatrist at the first visit conducts a survey of the patient or his relatives, if the patient can not answer truthfully independently. After testing, the initial diagnosis is established. Then, the treatment conditions are determined - inpatient or outpatient. At the end, a therapy strategy is outlined.
Reception of a psychiatrist is a procedure that you should not be afraid of, since testing and treatment are carried out anonymously, they are not registered with a person. The survey is carried out only with the written consent of the patient.
What treatment does a psychiatrist do?
Therapies may vary. These are mainly medications that help restore memory, and sedatives. In addition, doctors use these correction methods: auto-training, hypnosis, conversation, suggestion, group exercises. It is forbidden to use treatment with water, electric shock and cold. In psychiatry, such methods have not been used for a long time.
Where to get a psychiatrist if necessary
Examinations are carried out in a specialized narcological institution or in a private clinic equipped with equipment for laboratory research and diagnosis. How to get a narcologist and a psychiatrist at the same time? This can be done in specialized medical centers. At the reception, an important role is played by the trusting relationship between the patient and the doctor, and if the client feels discomfort or tension, it is better to go to another place, otherwise the treatment may not give positive and quick results.
All patients are divided into two groups. The first includes those who can be treated remotely; they only need to receive medical advice. The second includes patients who have serious mental disorders. Their treatment is carried out inpatiently or at least once a month, they come to an appointment with a psychiatrist for examination.
Driving commission
A psychiatrist and narcologist must be passed before obtaining rights. Without a certificate of a specific sample, the driver’s commission will not be passed. Doctors should identify explicit and latent diseases, if any, and when they are identified, the candidacy for the right is rejected.
Where are the psychiatrists? In a municipal or special medical organization at the place of residence or stay. Doctors conduct brief tests, after which they make their decision.
How to become a psychiatrist
In order to become such a specialist, you must graduate from the university in the relevant specialty. The term of study is six years. After receiving the diploma, graduates undergo specialization for one year (internship) or two children (residency).
Any other already certified doctor can become a psychiatrist. To do this, you just need to undergo additional training in a specialty.
A psychiatrist is a graduate. He has a certificate that serves as an official permit to practice. This document is issued by the Ministry of Health or other authorized agencies.
There are few highly qualified private psychiatrists in Russia. For such an independent practice, it is necessary to obtain a special license, which is rather difficult. Therefore, psychiatrists work in private or public clinics.