Psikiyatri (Ruh Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları)

What is the Department of Psychiatry (Mental Health and Diseases) and What Diseases Does It Cover?

Psychiatry (Mental Health and Diseases) is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health disorders and behavioral problems. This department seeks to understand the complex structure and functioning of the human mind, while also examining the relationship between the brain and behavior.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, 1 in 8 people worldwide, or 970 million people, suffered from a mental disorder. In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders increased significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Department of Psychiatry (Mental Health and Diseases)

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health and illnesses. The psychiatry department deals with the mental, emotional and behavioral health problems of individuals. Specialists working in this department adopt a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of various mental illnesses and aim to improve the quality of life of patients.
Psychiatry studies the complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), psychiatry is "a medical specialty that focuses on understanding and treating the relationship between the brain and behavior." In this context, psychiatrists take a holistic approach by evaluating both mental processes and brain functions.

Who is a Psychiatrist (Mental Health and Diseases) and What are their Duties?

A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health and illness. Psychiatrists specialize in this field by taking advanced training in mental health after their medical training. Their duties include:

• Conducting psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis of mental illnesses.
• Creating and implementing treatment plans.
• Managing various treatment methods such as medication and psychotherapy.
• To follow up the treatment processes of patients and update treatment plans when necessary.
• Informing and supporting patients and their families about mental health.

What Diseases Does Psychiatry (Mental Health and Diseases) Cover?

The psychiatry department covers a wide range of mental illnesses. The main psychiatric illnesses include:

• Depression: An illness characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.
• Anxiety Disorders: Disorders characterized by intense fear, worry, and anxiety. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide.
• Bipolar Disorder: It is a mood disorder with manic and depressive periods.
• Schizophrenia: It is a serious mental illness in which the perception of reality is impaired, hallucinations and delusions are experienced.
• Eating Disorders: Includes diseases such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A state of extreme stress and anxiety that occurs after a traumatic event.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A disorder characterized by recurring thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors (compulsions).

What are Psychiatric (Mental Health and Diseases) Examinations?

Psychiatric examinations include a comprehensive assessment of the patient's mental status. The basic psychiatric examination components include:

• Clinical Interview: Gathering detailed information about the patient's complaints, symptoms, and history.
• Mental Status Examination (MSE): Evaluation of the patient's appearance, behavior, speech, affect, thought processes and content, perception, cognition, and insight.
• Physical Examination: Performed when necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions.
• Psychological Tests: Standardized scales such as personality inventories and intelligence tests.
• Neuropsychological Tests: Used to evaluate cognitive functions.

What Methods Are Used in Psychiatry (Mental Health and Diseases) Treatments?

Psychiatric treatments vary depending on the type and severity of illness and the individual needs of the patient. Some of the treatment methods used include:

• Medication: Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers are used to treat a variety of mental illnesses.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and other types of therapy help patients resolve emotional and behavioral issues.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): It is a method used in the treatment of severe depression and some other mental illnesses.
• Group Therapy: It is a form of treatment in which patients with similar problems come together to share their experiences and support each other.
• Family Therapy: The aim is to improve family dynamics by including family members in the treatment process.

When Should You Go to the Psychiatry (Mental Health and Diseases) Department?

Situations in which a referral to the psychiatry department is required are as follows:

• Prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fear
• Extreme mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Disturbances in thought or perception
• Substance use problems
• Significant decline in daily functioning

What is done during a Psychiatric (Mental Health and Diseases) Examination?

During a psychiatric examination, the patient's general health and mental symptoms are evaluated in detail. The process usually includes the following steps:

• Evaluation of Medical History and Complaints: The patient's medical history, family history and symptoms are examined in detail.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation evaluates the patient's mental state, emotional state, and behavior.
• Psychological Tests: The mental state of the patient is examined in more detail by applying the necessary psychological tests.
• Laboratory and Imaging Tests: Necessary tests are performed to exclude physical diseases or evaluate biological markers.
• Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Based on the results obtained, a definitive diagnosis is made and an appropriate treatment plan is created.