PSYCHIATRY & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
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Psychiatry Treatment in Coimbatore
Psychiatry is a unique field in medical science dedicated to diagnose, treat and prevent various psychological disorders like emotional and behavioural disorders. A doctor who specializes in managing mental health disorders is called a psychiatrist. They can assess both the mental and physical perspectives of psychological problems.
A psychiatrist can help to treat many problems that can be sudden like a panic attack, scary hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or hearing mysterious “voices” etc. They can also manage some long-term problems like feeling sad, hopeless, or anxious causing everyday life out of control.
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Dr. Muthus Hospitals manages a wide range of psychiatric problems ranging from office stress to severe bipolar illness and much more. Our psychiatrists in the department are dedicated to providing versatile treatment options for multiple psychiatric conditions by the available standard procedures in psychiatric practice.
Some of the conditions treated by our psychiatrists include:
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Anxiety
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Bereavement
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Sleep disorders & Insomnia
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Personality disorders
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Relationship problems
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Obsessive-compulsive disorders
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Depression
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Schizophrenia (Schizophrenia)
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Anxiety disorders
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Bipolar disorder
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Alcohol and drug addicts
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Smoking cessation
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Schizo-affective disorders
Mental health problems in women such as premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, post-partum depression, post-partum psychosis are exclusively treated by our specialists at Sia Life Hospital.
Health issues due to psychiatric problems can have a major influence on life. People from all walks of life might suffer from mental health problems at certain times in their lives. Our psychiatrists have immense work experience in the reputed national and international medical institutes and can manage a wide range of psychiatric conditions. They have exceptional skills and expertise in evaluating and treating psychiatric problems.
Dr. Muthus Hospitals, Department of Psychiatry offers various psychiatric services to people of all age groups from children to elderly people including both male & female. The combined treatment of medication and therapies are the common method of psychiatric treatment. In current practice, a wide variety of other modalities also came into existence.
Our child psychiatrists at the hospital assist children with mental health problems in a friendly manner and they can manage the mental health conditions such as psychosis, acute suicidal ideation and intentional self-harming actions.
Some of the effective treatment options include;
The mission and vision of our psychiatric department are to ensure a transitional change in patients and social good. Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists are dedicated and very passionate about the services they provide because they believe that they are not just treating patients, they are contributing to humanity by improving the health of thousands of mentally ill patients.
We envision a world that is better for our children and elderly people to live with mental peace and harmony every day. Our psychiatric experts have hands-on experience in handling challenging cases. We counsel patients and provide psychotherapy so that the patient’s gains mental strength and prepares themselves to face inevitable challenges in life.
Psychiatric Diagnoses
You may have a physical examination to assess diagnosis and to test for related complications. A doctor will try to rule out the symptoms of physical problems. Tests of the laboratory may include, for instance, a thyroid function test or an alcohol and drug screening. A psychological assessment where Your symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and behaviour patterns are discussed with a doctor or psychiatrist. In order to answer certain questions, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire.
Sometimes figuring out which mental illness can cause the symptoms is difficult. But taking time and effort to get a clear diagnosis can help identify the care that is needed. The more knowledge you have, the more ready you will be to work with your psychiatrist to understand what your symptoms might be.
There are three tiers of examination that are performed by doctors to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These include:
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Physical examination and neurological health:
The doctor rules out the chance of any physical ailment that may be causing the symptoms.
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Laboratory tests:
These tests are done to exclude any other conditions like thyroid malfunction or vitamin deficiency.
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Brain imaging:
It is a process that checks for changes in brain structure as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. It includes tests like CT(Computerized Tomography) scan, MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET( Positron Emission Tomography) scan, and cerebrospinal fluid examination.
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Psychological Examination:
The doctor, or more specifically, a psychologist, talk to about your thoughts, feelings, and symptoms. You may also be asked to fill a questionnaire that is then critically analysed by the doctor for any major symptoms of mental health disorder.
At our centre, there are different classes of mental health disorders that are diagnosed, making it one of the best hospitals for the treatment of psychiatric disorders in Coimbatore.
Mental Health Treatment
Depending on the type of mental illness you have, the extent, and what works best for you, the care depends. A mix of treatments works best in many situations. Treatment from your primary care provider may be sufficient if you have a mild mental condition of well-controlled signs. Sometimes, however, a collaborative approach is suitable to ensure that all psychological, social, and medical needs are met. For severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, this is particularly important.
While psychiatric drugs do not cure mental illness, symptoms can often improve greatly.
Some of the psychiatric prescription drug types that are most widely used include:
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat anxiety, depression, and other disorders at times. These can help improve conditions such as depression, despair, fatigue, concentration problems, and lack of activity interest. Antidepressants are not harmful, and they do not cause addiction
Anti-anxiety products
Such medications are used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as generalized social anxiety or panic disorder. These can also help to reduce anxiety and sleeplessness. Generally, long-term anti-anxiety medications are antidepressants that function with anxiety as well. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medication helps with short-term relief, but they do have the potential to cause dependence, so they would better be used on a short-term basis.
Medications that stabilize the mood
Mood stabilizers are most widely used for treating bipolar disorders, including frequent mania and depression periods. Mood stabilizers are sometimes used to treat depression with antidepressant drugs.
Antipsychotic drugs
Antipsychotic drugs, such as schizophrenia, are usually used to treat psychotic disorders. Antipsychotic drugs can also be used to treat anxiety conditions or to treat depression with medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy, involves talking to a mental health professional about your illness and related issues. You will hear about your condition and moods, emotions, perceptions, and actions through psychotherapy. You can learn coping skills and stress management skills with the perspectives and understanding you obtain.
Treatments for brain stimulation
Treatments for brain stimulation are often used for anxiety and other conditions of mental health. These are generally reserved for cases where psychotherapy and medicine have not succeeded. These include electroshock therapy, repetitive magnetic transcranial stimulation, deep stimulation of the brain, and stimulation of the vague nerve.
Mental illness can sometimes become so extreme that in a mental health facility, you need care. This is generally recommended if you are unable to take proper care of yourself or if you are in immediate risk of hurting yourself or somebody else. Options include 24-hour hospitalization, partial or day hospital stays, or residential treatment, providing a temporary place to settle with support. Intensive outpatient care may be another option. We are among the best hospital for mental health treatment in Coimbatore.
Depending on your symptoms and severity, your personal preferences, side effects of medication, and other considerations, you and your primary healthcare provider or psychiatrist can decide which treatment is best. In some instances, a mental disorder may be so extreme that it may be necessary for a doctor or adored one to guide your care until you become able to take part in decision making adequately.
Our Doctors – Psychiatrists
Dr.Muthus Hospitals is one of the best hospitals in Coimbatore for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The real wealth of a person lies in his or her mental health, and we aim to help you as best we can in the treatment of mental health disorders. To help you overcome mental health problems, we employ some of the best psychiatrists in Coimbatore. The team members are empathic individuals on whom you can rely on managing various conditions of mental health. Our doctors are well-trained and have excellent work and skills. We are among the best hospital for mental health treatment in Coimbatore. Our doctors make sure that the patients receive the best of the treatment and give them the best suggestions when it comes to treatment decisions. Our solid infrastructure is well suited for the hospital.
If you or your loved ones having any mental health issues come to us, we assure you a path for your better future.
FAQs
In India psychological problems are treated by the following mental health professional
Psychiatrist, psychologists, psychiatry social workers and counsellors
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has done his MBBS training and then specialized in treating people with mental health problem. . Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to assess both mental and physical aspects of psychological disturbances. Their medical education has given them a full working knowledge of both physical illness and psychological problems. They can treat patients with both medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). They are able to interpret blood tests and other investigations done by medical doctors.
A psychologist is a mental health professional who has done their graduation in psychology and specialization in clinical psychology ( MPHIL). They are not medical doctors and usually do their graduation (BA) in psychology. They are able to provide various therapies and they are trained to do Certain testing’s like Rorschach, IQ etc. They are not able to prescribe medications and treat physical illnesses.
A psychiatry social worker is a mental health professional who has done her graduation and then specialized in the field of psychiatry social work ( MPhil). They can provide certain kind of talk therapies. They cannot prescribe medications or treat physical illnesses.
Counsellors are mental health professionals coming from various backgrounds and usually they do 6 months or more, courses in understanding psychological problems and they provide basic talk therapies depending on their training. They cannot prescribe medications.
It is to be noted that in India doctors from other specialties prescribe medications for certain psychiatry problem, at times.
A psychiatrist treats various psychological problems like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, panic disorders, anger issues, alcohol and tobacco dependence, academic issues and various other issues. In fact majority of the problems treated by psychiatrists the patient is in complete control of himself/herself and are holding successful and responsible jobs. The common stereotypical psychiatry patient depicted in movies and in the media form only a very minute percentage of patients seen by psychiatrists. You can consult a psychiatrist for even minor issues which might be troubling you and get suitable advice.
In India other specialty doctors give medications for psychological problems but please remember that the exposure for psychiatry in MBBS and post graduation is very inadequate in India often the exposure is only 1-2 months during their whole period of specialization. A psychiatrist has a minimum of 2-5 yrs training experience in handling psychological problems before he independently address the patient problems.
If you have a problem with your electrical issues you do not consult a plumber.
Psychiatrist is the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medications for psychological problems. Not all medications given are life long, in fact majority of the patient treated for psychiatry problems get off their medications in due course of time or are off medications when they are fine. Some patients may have to take medications for considerable period of time and even lifelong but they form a smaller portion of the patients seen by psychiatrists.
Remember that many physical illnesses too need medication for lifelong like diabetes, hypertension.
Psychiatrists prescribe a whole range of medications to patients. Please remember majority of the medications given are not addicting and can easily be stopped without the patient feeling the craving for the medication or withdrawal symptoms. The medications which cause addiction belong to a group of medications called benzodiazepine which are used by psychiatrists for treating anxiety problems, disturbed sleep, aggression etc. They must be used continuously only for up to 4 weeks and then tapered off and stopped. Other medications which can cause dependence are certain stimulators used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
Remember doctors of other specialty also use benzodiazepines for various conditions and psychological problems you might just not be aware of it.
Always ask your doctor if the medications you are receiving can cause dependence it your responsibility to ask as much as the doctors to tell you about dependence potential of medications.
To answer this commonly asked question we will first have to define what cure means.
If we use the strictest definition that cure means the patient will not get the illness again in life then most of the illnesses do not have a cure. Example: diabetes, hypertension, numerous neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, strokes, motor neuron disease, dementia, etc
This is the same with psychiatrist illness.
Remember many patients can get an episode of a psychological illness and never get it again if treated promptly and correctly, it just very difficult to predict who would never get it again.
It is important to note that the quality of life for the patient and family members is much better when the psychological illness is treated rather than endured.
All medications given in allopathic medicine have side effects it is similar with psychiatry medication. Psychiatry medication does have side effects but you need not get them. Most of the side effects are minor and will go with time, some medications have more serious side effects like drop in the white cell count (aganulocytosis), seizures, tardive dyskinesia etc. Your doctor will monitor for the side effects carefully when you are on such medications and will give you solutions if you suffer from the side effects.
The newer psychiatry medication have a very different side effect profile than the older ones and considered to be more safer than the older group. The trick is to give the right medication to the right patient.
Remember ask for the side effect profile of the medications being given by doctors and make an informed choice.
This is a common problem a lot of carers face. They are aware that the patient has a psychological problem but is refusing help. There is no particular way to address the issue and multiple approaches can be used. Some of the ways are
- Get the patient to a doctor in context of the problem and defocus from the patients problem eg: marital problem with one partner not seeing his part in the issue get the patient in context of the willing spouse.
- Get a person who has some influence on the patient to speak to the patient
- Tell patient to consider one appointment with the psychiatrist and then give him the option to decide if he wants to go again or not.
- Focus on the issue the patient is willing to work and not on the issues he does not want to
Eg: he might want to consult for his anger issues and not on his sexual problems.
- Patient feeling he has no problem ,itself can be a symptom of the illness (no insight) so do not spend time trying to convince the patient he has an illness
- If all methods fail and the patient are seriously ill you can seek help from the Indian mental health act were a patient can be admitted against his will to the hospital.
Always use the least restrictive method first.
Remember there is no one method to seek help but always focus on how to get the patient to the doctor and not on the problems you will face in the process. If you feel another method will work you can always try but consider safety of the patient ,yourself and the family.
Majority of the patients suffering from psychiatry problems can be treated on an outpatient basis if they have good family support. However there are times when hospitalization is warranted. They are
- If patient is suicidal and has active plans to do so
- If patient has thoughts to harm others and has been violent
- The symptoms of the illness are such that it is difficult to contain the patient at home and he is wandering from place to place .
- He continues in the same harmful behaviour eg: taking alcohol and drugs in spite of having received treatment.
- Patient has a very poor support system
The psychiatrist does not need to know about all your childhood issues in the first appointment. He will ask you only questions that are relevant to the current problem in the first appointment. Childhood issues will be discussed only if therapy is adviced. The first appointment will take about 25mins t0 half an hour in most cases. He will speak to your family member if available, alone if needed. In case you would like to speak to the psychiatrist alone you can always request for the same. Confidentiality will be maintained.
There are many kinds of therapies like brief dynamic therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, marital therapy etc. All therapies are good when used by trained therapists.
Remember for therapies to work the patient must be willing to work through the process and follow the instructions given by the therapist.
