General Psychiatry

Service Description

General psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in the care of patients with mental health issues, including: Common conditions treated: 1. Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) 2. Anxiety disorders (anxiety, PTSD) 3. Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia) 4. Personality disorders 5. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 6. Autism spectrum disorder 7. Substance use disorders 8. Eating disorders 9. Sleep disorders 10. Trauma and stress-related disorders Treatment approaches: 1. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) 2. Pharmacotherapy (medications) 3. Behavioral therapy 4. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 5. Psychodynamic therapy 6. Family therapy 7. Group therapy Diagnostic tools: 1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) 2. Psychological assessments (e.g., MMPI, NEO-PI) 3. Neuropsychological tests 4. Laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, imaging studies) Subspecialties: 1. Child and adolescent psychiatry 2. Addiction psychiatry 3. Forensic psychiatry 4. Geriatric psychiatry 5. Psychosomatic medicine Key skills for psychiatrists: 1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills 2. Empathy and understanding 3. Diagnostic accuracy 4. Treatment planning and management 5. Cultural sensitivity