
What is Psychology and Which Diseases Does It Deal With?
Psychology is a branch of science that studies human behavior, thought processes, and emotional responses. This field helps individuals maintain their mental health and understand their thoughts and feelings. Psychology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, conditions that affect quality of life such as stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictions are also among the fields of study of psychology.
About the Psychology Department
The psychology department is a health unit that examines the mental health of individuals and aims to understand mental processes and behaviors. In this department, psychologists and other mental health professionals work to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients' mental and emotional health. The psychology department serves both children and adults and applies a variety of treatment methods such as individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy.
Who is a Psychology Specialist and What Are Their Duties?
Psychology specialists are professionals who evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals' mental and emotional health. These specialists conduct psychological tests and assessments to understand individuals' emotional problems, mental illnesses and behavioral problems. Psychologists provide individual or group therapies to their clients, helping them cope with issues such as stress management, trauma, anxiety and depression. In addition, psychology specialists develop new treatment methods through research and contribute to the accumulation of knowledge in the field of mental health.
What Diseases Does Psychology Deal With?
Psychology, as a branch of science that studies human behavior, thoughts, and emotional states, deals with a wide variety of mental and emotional illnesses. The main illnesses that psychology deals with are:
Depression
Depression is a common mood disorder that involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It significantly impacts an individual's ability to carry out daily activities.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders that involve persistent worry, fear, and panic attacks. Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias fall into this category.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes a person to experience mood swings, alternating between extreme happiness (mania) and extreme depression (depressive episodes).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a disorder characterized by recurring obsessions (obsessive thoughts) and compulsions (compulsive behaviors). This can significantly impact a person's daily life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a disorder that occurs after a traumatic event and manifests itself with symptoms such as constantly remembering that event, having nightmares, and a state of hyperarousal.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders manifest themselves through serious disruptions in an individual's eating habits. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are included in this category.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness characterized by thought disorders, hallucinations, delusions, and impaired emotional responses.
Dependencies
Psychology also deals with addictions such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, and the internet. These addictions lead to the individual developing habits that negatively affect their lives.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve persistent abnormalities in the way an individual thinks, feels, and behaves. Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder are included in this group.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are disorders that affect an individual's sleep patterns and quality. Conditions such as insomnia (inability to sleep), sleep apnea and narcolepsy are among the areas of study of psychology.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder manifests itself through sudden and frequent panic attacks, characterized by intense feelings of fear and discomfort.
Trauma and Crisis Situations
Psychology also deals with emotional and mental problems that occur after traumatic events such as natural disasters, accidents, attacks, etc. In these cases, trauma therapy and crisis intervention play an important role.
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Psychology also deals with mental health issues among children and adolescents, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and behavioral disorders.
Relationship Problems and Family Therapy
Psychology also provides support for issues such as problems experienced by individuals in their relationships, family conflicts, and divorce processes. Family therapy is an important method for dealing with such problems.
This wide range of illnesses demonstrates the importance of psychology in protecting and improving the mental health of individuals. Since each individual's needs are different, psychological treatment and support are customized to the individual situation of the patients.
What are the Diagnostic Methods Used in the Psychology Department?
In the psychology department, various diagnostic methods are used to evaluate the mental and emotional health status of individuals. These methods include psychological tests, clinical interviews, behavioral assessments, observational techniques, and questionnaires. In addition, neuropsychological tests and intelligence tests may be applied for certain conditions. These assessment processes allow the most appropriate treatment plan to be created for the needs of the patients.
What are the procedures performed in the Psychology Department?
In the psychology department, various procedures are performed for the mental health conditions of patients. These procedures include individual therapies, group therapies, family therapies and behavioral therapies. In addition, interventions such as psychoeducation, stress management programs, relaxation techniques training and exposure therapy can be applied. Psychological support and counseling services help patients improve their emotional and mental health.
What are the treatments applied in the Department of Psychology?
The treatments applied in the psychology department vary according to the needs of the patients. These treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). In addition, drug therapy can be applied to patients deemed appropriate by psychiatrists. Psychotherapy methods help patients improve their mental and emotional health and increase their quality of life.
When Should You Go to the Psychology Department?
Psychology departments should be consulted when individuals are unable to cope with situations that affect their mental and emotional health. Prolonged depressive moods, excessive anxiety, stress that affects daily life, serious problems in relationships, post-traumatic emotional difficulties and addiction are among the important reasons to consult a psychology specialist. In addition, symptoms such as sudden changes in behavior, sleep problems, constant fatigue and not being able to enjoy life may also require psychological support.