Definition and Overview
A psychiatry consultation is an appointment with a psychiatrist to obtain his medical opinion on a specific case. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They provide two types of consultations – a patient consultation and liaison psychiatric consultation.
All our clients are evaluated by our Psychiatrist to determine is there are any psychiatric disorders that need to be treated along with their addiction. Treatment of co-occurring psychiatric disorders is necessary so that the client can be equipped to fully participate in their treatment programs.
In a psychiatric consultation, the doctor evaluates a patient’s psychiatric condition, taking into consideration various psychological, biological, and social factors. In a liaison consultation, a general practitioner or attending physician consults with a psychiatrist with regards to the treatment and management of patients suffering from medical conditions. This consultation links general medicine and psychiatry.
At the end of the consultation, the psychiatrist will provide a diagnosis followed by treatment recommendations. Seeking this type of consultation protects patients from the serious risks caused by a compromised mental state.
Who Should Undergo and Expected Results
A psychiatry consultation can benefit patients who are suffering from:
- Mental problems
- Chronic diseases
- Risk factors of mental illness
Patients with mental problems
For patients suffering from mental problems, seeking a psychiatric consultation is the first step towards receiving the treatment they need. It is beneficial for patients suffering from or showing signs of mental health illnesses, some examples of which include:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Mood or anxiety disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
At the end of a psychiatric evaluation, the patient or his family will be given a differential diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and practical advice on how to (a) manage the patient’s symptoms and (b) deal with the patient’s condition in the long run.